To all:

Did you ever have one of those days where you showed up because you said you would and didn't know what to expect?

February 9th is an example of that.

A few months ago a young sport biker was run over by an Emergency Room nurse as she made an illegal left turn into him. He is not a member of ABATE and is someone that I wouldn't have known in passing. However, my daughter and 4 yr old granddaughter witnessed the events leading to the paralyzing injuries to this innocent victim. This young man violated no laws, was riding safely and wearing full protective gear.

As my daughter gave her report to the officer of record, she noticed the driver who had sat in her car for 15 minutes before exiting, was standing by and joking with a friend while watching the young victim being tended to. This angered my daughter. So she welcomed the opportunity to testify at the hearing.

The young man is paralyzed for life from the chest down. To support my daughter's willingness to testify, I told her I would be there as support. 

When I put the word out, several bikers expressed a willingness to attend the hearing. We rode in together for the most part and parked in front of the court house. After undressing at the security desk and clearing the metal detectors, we proceeded to the courtroom. We were 9 strong. Myself, Dragonfly, Dragon, Wrongway, Zeno, Kawasaki Pat, Reloader, and two American Legion riders that rode from Crestview to attend. The courtroom was not crowded so we were kind of obvious, all leathered out.

As the hearing commenced, I could see what was happening. You see, the night before the defense attorney had called my daughter and asked what she was going to testify to. Thus, I was not surprised that when the time came and the hearing was began, the defendant pleaded no contest to failure to yield and was fined $82,50 and costs for a grand total of $220.00 and some change. No witnesses were called and no statements were made by anyone.

As the judge thanked the witnesses for attending and dismissed the defendant, I watched as she began leaving the courtroom with a big smile on her face. That was all I could take. I rose and walked to the front of the courtroom and asked to address the court. I was so angry my voice was cracking trying to hold back my anger. Much to my surprise the judge allowed me to speak.

I asked if the court was aware that the failure to yield resulted in a crash that left the victim paralyzed for life from the chest down. You could have heard a pin drop. "No sir, I was not" Excuse me ma'm, do not leave the courtroom yet" I was then allowed to address the court. After a few minutes of stating the results of the crash and talking about bikers being run down as well as responding to questions from the judge about ABATE and our mission., I stepped back.

The judge then asked if there was anyone else who wished to speak on this case. Following my lead, Dragon, Zeno and one of the Legion riders addressed the court. We were received very well and conducted ourselves proudly.

The judge then addressed the defendant. Asking her how she felt about the results of her carelessness. In all honesty, she seemed to show a bit of remorse as she broke down in front of the judge. The courtroom was silent as the judge delivered a monologue about how people need to be more aware of motorcycles and spoke as if she was fighting for our Cause.

She then asked me to tell her more about ABATE. I delivered my best explanation on what we were about and why we were there. She commended us for being there and for working with legislators to solve a problem that she agrees with. Lack of awareness and lack of adequate penalties to deter such careless decisions by all drivers.

By allowing us the opportunity to speak, Judge Kinsey gave us the chance to make at least the people in the courtroom aware that there are people (ABATE) out there fighting to protect everyone. When she made suggestions on us getting involved with the schools and public awareness, she was pleased to hear that we were already doing this.

She then turned to the defendant and suggested that she apologize to the family and do what ABATE was doing, being as she is an emergency room nurse. She gave the defendant several ideas on how to show her remorse to the community.

As we left the courthouse, we were approached by several people and given their support for what we did that day. Law enforcement and court employees, as well as two gentlemen who were there as victims of a failure to yield.

Why did I write all of this down for you?

Today I learned first hand how a few leather clad bikers can make a difference when they are motivated and educated and diligent in their concern for saving lives. I also learned that there are Judges out there that are willing to listen and want our help in giving them a better way to deter such careless decisions.

Thanks to those that attended and represented bikers so well. Thanks to Judge Lindsey for listening. Thanks to ABATE for preparing us and giving us the training and inspiration to express our passion for the Cause.

Finally, kudos are in order for White Sands for their efforts recently in the same arena.

Satch
ABATE of Florida, Inc
Gulf Coast Chapter President

Ride safe and free