RV accident kills five!

[BXinNH]

I don't believe he is saying it is ok, just that maybe what is needed is common sense more than legislation.

 

[Ductape]

or caught while doing it illegally?

Maybe I missed something, but it was my understanding it was legal for him to be driving the motorhome?

 

[Gale Hawkins]

If foresight was as good as hindsight it would help reduce accidents but it is not. While I was driving overloaded grain trucks at that age with weak brakes it still was risky but I did have six years behind the wheel experience due to our rural setting and being the oldest in the family.

 

[Elcid76]

I live near where this happened. It was very strange last night as I drove by the scene to think what actually happened on that non-descript bridge. The remains of the accident are still in the creek bed, and the recently built concrete bridge rails are smashed. Grim reminder to be careful. Kansas is known for all types of animal hazzards. The area that this happened in is well stocked with deer, turkey, and coyote. It is hard to believe that he could have been sleepy (which was my first thought...). There already were three crosses on that same bridge, now there will be several more. Some accidents just stick with you, I know that this site will be recalled by all of us that live by it.... Laws do not protect us, decisions do....

 

[powerpace]

Maybe I missed something, but it was my understanding it was legal for him to be driving the motorhome?

'Car crashes are a leading cause of death among teenagers, and Minnesota has one of the nations worst death rates. In response, the Minnesota State Legislature introduced a set of rules in 2008 restricting when teenagers can drive, and limiting the passengers they can carry during the first year of holding a driver's license.

For the first six months, drivers under 18 can't drive between midnight and 5 a.m. except to travel to work or school, or if they have a licensed driver over 25 with them.

For the first first six months, drivers under 18 can only have one other teenage passenger, unless accompanied by a parents of guardian. Then, for the next six months, teenagers may only drive up to three teenage passengers."

The driver had a provisional license.
In my understanding the parent or guardian must be in the seat next to you.

 

[aczlan]

In response, the Minnesota State Legislature introduced a set of rules in 2008 restricting when teenagers can drive, and limiting the passengers they can carry during the first year of holding a driver's license.
For the first six months, drivers under 18 can't drive between midnight and 5 a.m. except to travel to work or school, or if they have a licensed driver over 25 with them.
For the first first six months, drivers under 18 can only have one other teenage passenger, unless accompanied by a parents of guardian. Then, for the next six months, teenagers may only drive up to three teenage passengers.

Ok, if he had a parent in the vehicle and a licensed driver over 25 riding shotgun, he still would have been legal to drive that truck/trailer.

Aaron Z

 

[powerpace]

Ok, if he had a parent in the vehicle and a licensed driver over 25 riding shotgun, he still would have been legal to drive that truck/trailer.

Aaron Z

My understanding is the Responsible person must be in the seat next to you. Not a sixteen year old.

In my opinion there was not a lot of common sense in any of the adults actions. Sorry to see innocent people die.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Common sense is not common. It should be called "Special Sense"

Chris

 

[Mike476]

I can't agree that age determine's whether or not someone is able to drive a vehicle of this type. I too grew up in a rural area, was driving my father's vehicles on back roads a lot younger than the law allowed, tractors at my mother's family farm etc. Those were different times. There is nothing wrong with people learning nuances and challenges driving a vehicle of this classification offer, regardless of age.

We're supposed to learn from the easy ones, IMHO this is one of those times.

 

[rsewill]

I've seen these rigs often enough. Once I was deadheading in my 78 MPH governed, 470 HP tractor pulling a flatbed across South Dakota on 75 MPH I-90, a trip I'd made many times. It would really stick to the road so easy enough for me to set the speed control at the max and not worry about the curves. I didn't get passed by many trucks, fuel costing what it does, but I got passed by one of those rigs (a Peterbilt) eastbound just east of Sturgis. About 20 minutes later I came across the wrecked unit a little west of Rapid City at a curve that had a 70 MPH speed limit, ok for cars, not so much for trucks. There was already plenty of help so I didn't stop and I believe everyone survived. Motorcycles scattered everywhere! The curve has been improved since then. And that curve was worse going the other direction because of the crown in the road, it would toss you off the road if you weren't careful.

Too many things can go wrong for an inexperienced driver, especially one who is 17 and thinks they are both invulnerable and 'superior' physically, knowing it all. In this case no 17 year old should ever have been behind the wheel. So many passengers, too much at risk. Just takes a dip in the road, a gust of wind on a slight curve or a poorly maintained bridge approach ramp, his trailer begins to wag and the truck is doomed. I have decades of big truck experience but when I get behind the wheel of my father's 40' RV I am always amazed at how hard it is for me to adjust to the soft suspension.