The Orlando Sentinel reported today that a 6-year-old was tossed from a motorcycle operated by his father, landed on a van and sustained serious injuries.
Here’s the newspaper’s account:
“The boy, Paul Politan of Cocoa, sustained serious injuries and was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, the FHP said. The motorcycle driver, Paul Politan II, 38, of Cocoa, also was ejected. The elder Politan was in serious condition at Orlando Regional Medical Center.
“Both were wearing helmets, the FHP said. The two were riding north on U.S. Highway 1 on a 2007 Honda motorcycle when the motorcycle hit the rear of a northbound 1996 Dodge van at around 8:20 a.m. near Melaleuca Road, the FHP said. The motorcycle failed to slow down, the report said.”
1) A 6-year-old as passenger
2) A 6-year-old as passenger while traveling on a highway
3) A 6-year-old as passenger while traveling on a highway and the father allegedly fails to slow his bike and collides with the rear of a van
I’m all for freedom of movement and living a life free of government intervention, and I’m sorry the boy is injured, but … really?
Stupid hurts.
Tags: commuting, crash, Florida, Honda, Motorcycle
December 11, 2008 at 9:10 am
Reminds me of second-hand smoke at home — how do you legislate against that kind of selfishness?
There are places in the world where the family vehicle is a scooter and helmets are a luxury; but in the U.S. poverty isn’t the reason fathers (not mothers) take their kids on motorcycles. The reason is never having grown up, and wanting to play with their toy too much to put their kids’ interests first.
I’m glad you also think it’s something to be ashamed of.
December 11, 2008 at 9:27 am
I understand your point. I’ve seen four-person families (and the pet dog) aboard scooters in Taiwan, saw a three-person family aboard a bike in Mexico, etc. But, I’ve also witnessed helmets and leathers on riders in those places. Economics play a role, as does education. Motorcycles are less of the problem. The real issue is the decision-making process of the people involved. I wouldn’t buy my teenager a Dodge Viper, either. Stupid hurts.
December 18, 2008 at 8:21 am
Everyone should take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course before purchasing a bike. Education is key to riding safely!