[rola643]

In safety and activism that helps protect me, I think in this case we (they) are trying to legislate common sense and just plain courtesy. I honestly have more fear of Grandma, and for that fact, anyone else on Main St. here in my town while cycling than being out on the open road. Mostly because that's something I can see coming! If there is a door open and any traffic at all, I'm stuck nowhere to go. Yup people getting in and out of their cars without even giving the first glance at traffic scares me more than being hit from behind. Even driving in a vehicle down out tight crowded Main you see it many times a day.

I don't think you can legislate people into using common sense and courtesy if it's not something god gave them anyway. I could actually see the insurance industry get behind this one. Protect us from Mayhem

http://youtu.be/DqoA9LcJV3o

http://youtu.be/DqoA9LcJV3o

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?131+sum+SB736

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:
Opening and closing motor vehicle doors. Requires drivers and passengers to wait for a reasonable opportunity to open vehicle doors on the side adjacent to moving traffic. The bill also requires that in this case vehicle doors only be left open as long as necessary. A violation constitutes a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $100.


http://oxroadsouth.com/2013/01/dooring-bill-yes-it-is-about-the-bike/

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/17258/small-steps-can-help-bicycling-in-virginia/

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/15727/route-1-widening-would-divide-fairfax-communities/

[newleaf150]

Great question!

I actually like the sound of this for the simple reason that it appears to 'fix' liability for an accident on the person who caused it by inappropriately opening their car door.

In the absence of this type of law, I can see motorists' lawyers arguing the motorist isn't at fault in a 'dooring' because someone hit them - not the other way around. That can become a huge issue if injuries or severe damage to expensive equipment is involved.

I see it as less an attempt to legislate common sense/courtesy than as a way to make legal responsibility for this type of accident crystal-clear. That's important because this type of accident is different from most when it comes to the responsible party: in the majority of accidents, the person who does the hitting is considered to be at fault for the accident - and liable for damages.

In the case of a 'dooring', whether the door is hit by a cyclist or another car, fault lies with the idiot who opened it without first looking to see if it's clear.

[davereo]

Dooring is in the books in Massachusetts.

[Nigal]

Personally I'm tired of politicians trying to Nerf the whole damn world. Life is a series of consequences that are meant to be experienced and dealt with. Politicians need to STFU and leave us alone.

That is all.

[rola643]

I kinda see it like texting and driving. It's against the law here but it stops no one here from doing it.

[kneedrachen]

Almost got nailed by a woman text at 0530 this morning.

I feel texting and driving/cell phone and driving

1st offense: 30 days loss of license
2nd offense: 6 months loss of license
3rd offense: Hope you have some comfy shoes and a bus ticket!

[DaFlake]

Originally Posted by kneedrachen

Almost got nailed by a woman text at 0530 this morning.

I feel texting and driving/cell phone and driving

1st offense: 30 days loss of license
2nd offense: 6 months loss of license
3rd offense: Hope you have some comfy shoes and a bus ticket!

We can't enforce the laws that we already have on the books. Many repeat offenders simply get back in a car and don't care. I work on a military installation where it is federal law not to use your cell phone and they still do it. There are no repercussions for it. Sadly this is the society that we live in.

[newleaf150]

Glad you're okay, Knee! I like your list of punishments.

I think we're headed for a point where texting and driving will be seen as the functional eqivalent of driving drunk - which it effectively is.

Mind you, this'll take years and additional tragedies to happen. I still remember public fights over drunk driving back when I was a kid. It's far less socially acceptable now, growing less-so by the year.

In the mean time, be careful out there!

[Nigal]

The 4th offense is the loss of your thumbs.

[canotryss]

yeah,good info,There are no repercussions for it. Sadly this is the society that we live in.