chipcom 

I'm sorry, but I think this woman was already stressed and the lane-dancer was the straw that broke the camel's back - it happens to the best of us. I have no problem admitting that sometimes it really takes willpower not to pull some idiot out of a car and give them a public spanking. I'd bet that anyone else here has had those urges too.

While I agree the woman should have been cited, IMO it should have been for a traffic infraction or a misdemeanor, while at the same time the bozo who was in such a friken hurry that he felt compelled to dart from lane to lane in an effort to gain a couple of seconds should have also been cited.

CrosseyedCrickt

She has been convicted but not fully sentenced yet. Until the sentence is "confirmed" by the judge she still has hope, and likely will do no time.
Before her sentence is carried out the arresting officer and all parties involved get to have their say in the matter. And since someone posted that the victim already said that this was a dumb sentence she will likely get nothing more than probation and a fine.
The judge is likely doing this just to get their name in the paper and/or cause awareness.
It happens all the time. I was actually around for the sentencing of a guy who was convicted of "cursing in front of a child" whichis one of the bluelaws on the books here in Michigan.

Bekologist

was that the guy in the canoe up on the saginaw? river? we could hear his cursing from here, he was swearing up a blue streak!

CrosseyedCrickt

yup, the one and same

Slow Train

I have no more insight than the next person. However, I do think one's outcome with the (mis)justice system can vary widely depending on a number of factors. Certainly race and social status are important determinants. I'll refer readers to this post to see an example of such a disparity:

Conservative think tank exec arrested for assault on cyclist

In the later case I think the only thing that came out of it was an apology.

In this particular case I think the woman was guilty of nothing more than being human. I think intent is important and hers certainly were not meant to harm anyone. The victims thought community service sufficient. The jury a $1000 fine. I'm a little surprised by some of the replies here that believe the sentencing was appropriate. What next - capital punishment for jaywalking?

All of us have breaking points that, when reached, cause us to act out in regrettable childish displays of frustration. How many of us here haven't chased down a car through traffic that, in our opinion, didn't give us enough room when passing?

The prosecutor thought she might have caused an accident. Might have yes - but didn't. If having a cup of soda dumped on you is a distraction worthy of a felony conviction and 2 years in prison then what say you all for the REAL threat on the road - distracted DRIVERS.

Where are the laws prohibiting cell phone usage? Where is the enforcement?

genec

There is a big difference between littering and intentional aim.

dynodonn 

The sentence handed down seem out of line for a first offense, here at home, people who are arrested for a first time DUI (without inflicting injuries) get more leniency than that. Amazing. A stiff fine and a few days in jail or a few months on monitored home detention, and two years probation would have been more appropriate.

Blue Order

I'd be far more supportive of a jail sentence-- but not two years in prison-- if she threw the ice at a cyclist. Not because cyclists are better, but because they're more vulnerable to assault, and because the assault has more serious consequences. I'd also support a jail sentence if she caused an accident. I might even support a short stay in jail for this assault-- just enough to let her cool her heels. As she said, one hour is enough time to reflect on what she did. A few days would be sufficient to get her attention.

This felony rap and two year sentence is ridiculous, however.

trackhub

I think you are spot on. Mind if I add something? If she were white, and were from a wealthy, exclusive suburb. Concord or Wellesley MA, for example. Yes, it that were the case, she would have gotten away with it.

heflix455

Thank you for your completely unbiased and intelligent opinions/assumptions.

banerjek

One of those factors is that some people need to grow up. My sense is that people are so used to instant gratification that they go nuts when things don't go their way. It's the adult version of the terrible twos.

Nowadays, people justify the most ridiculous behavior simply by claiming to be victims of their environment and body chemistry. Try sitting on a plane that's been delayed for a few hours. Most people will handle the situation reasonably well, but I guarantee there will be some people who think that if they stomp their feet and shout loud enough, they can change reality. These foot stompers can found everywhere.

Having said that, the punishment in this case seems extreme. A stiff fine and mandatory counseling seems like it would be a better deterrent to future uncontrolled outbursts.

MSPD

She should have followed them home, gotten drunk while waiting until they went out for a bike ride, mowed them down on the shoulder from behind while downloading a cell phone ringtone, driven off and called the cops a couple hours later saying "I think I may have hit something".

The going rate for that is a misdemeanor "failure to maintain traffic lane", small fine and probation. If that.

CommuterRun

<ZZzzzzz> Hunh? What?.....Did I say something that sounded reasonably intelligent?

Falkon 

I agree completely. People getting pissed enough to throw a plastic cup of ice - that's a rarity, but drivers do so many other disrespectful, dangerous things, just to shave off an infinitesimal amount of time.

Kinda coming back to the discussion we had on idiots in a hurry and going the speed limit, I have to say I see people every day that get agitated if you don't put the pedal to a floor and jack rabbit from a light when it turns green. There's also the people who just have to get in front of you no matter what. Yes, I mean that ****** that decides to pass and merge onto the off ramp crossing over the safety lines and coming feet from running through the median. Yes, I also mean the idiot weaving through traffic then tailgating once he hits a group he can't get past. I see this every single day.

Falkon 

again, I completely agree here. I'm probably gonna get flak for this, but I find it amusing to mess with these people. Get next to a person going to speed limit when I see someone weaving through traffic and the like. The strangest thing I have found is that many of these people who feel that they need to go as fast as possible in a relatively straight line don't even know how to control their vehicles when a corner is involved.

Blue Order

LOVE the avatar!

donnamb 

Thank you, banerjek. Your sentiments are exactly what my brain couldn't put into words yesterday. People want to pathologize simple lack of self-control when no other serious mental illness exists. I'm pretty tired of it, myself.

anders

I'm waiting for helmut head to ask what this thread has to do with cycling advocacy.

Keith99

AS cyclists we all know what can happen when somethign is thrown at us. If it hits there is a good chance of going down with serious injury. We should be able think enough to realize just what can happen when something is thrown into a car.

In this case it seems there are 3 big things going against the driver. First the direct effects of social calss mentioned above. Second indirect effects. She says even during the trial she was thinking about what she was going to make for dinner. You are right, some cell phone yakkin' blonde trophy wife in an SUV would not have gotten convicted. Someone would have taken this seriously and plea bargained their way out of a possible felony. Third is that this was not just throwing the cup and ice. She drove on the shoulder to do it. That puts it past any 'reflex' action. That last hurts twice. It makes the DA less apt to plea bargain (and to want more in any plea) and once things go to trial it works against her there.

BTW anyone notice she got the minimum allowed? One problem here is the law. It actually does make sense if we are thinking of a car moving at speed. For a stopped or crawling car it is rather harsh.

CrosseyedCrickt

Well, tomorrow the Judge formally imposes the conviction that the jury handed down.
Who wants to bet she is released with probation and a fine?

sgtsmile

More or less what I was saying. agree completely

sgtsmile

trying to decide if this is sarcasm or not.....





edit:

Just in case it was ...

What I was referring to, poorly I will admit, is part of the history behind why many in North America look down on or dehumanize those who have less money (an idea that I find personally abhorant). There is a real notion that if you do not have wealth that you are somehow a failure as a person. One of the roots of this is the Calvinist notions that I mentioned. There was no intent to insult anyone's religion.

I was also referring to how many grew up in an environment of wealth and have difficulty attaining that wealth and become stressed about it. That's all. Bannerjek referred to the old instant gratification problem. That was, in part, what I was referring to as well (only did not put it well that night ;p)

comradehoser

sentenced to time served and probation.

CrosseyedCrickt

I hate to say I told you so but....
I told you so.

genec

Yes, so in the end, she serves a fair sentence, yet is reminded that her actions clearly had serious consequences.

Frankly the driver of the other vehicle was also at fault, albeit in a different manner, and should also have been given some sort of punishment.