Blackstone Valley Motorcyclists Survivor’s Fund, Inc.
www.bvmsurvivorsfund.org/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2010
For more info, contact
Dave Menard - dave@bvmsurvivorsfund.org,
Subj. Worcester County Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund being formed - get on this RIDE!
(Uxbridge, MA) - The Blackstone Valley Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund, Inc., ("BVMSF"), a 501c3 nonprofit organization of volunteers, Board of Directors voted last week to "expand" it's coverage area to include all of the sixty (60) Worcester County's cities and towns, effective next month.
"We got our feet wet the past two seasons and built up our Fund, due to the generosity of area riders," said Dave Menard of Whitinsville, founder and President of the all volunteer organization.
"Several other motorcycle leaders in the central and northern parts of the County have stepped forward giving us the commitment we needed for such a large expansion."
The BVMSF seeks to unite various riding clubs and group of all riding styles in the region, hosting events to raise money for local families of riders killed or seriously injured in accidents, and promotes motorcycle safety and awareness hoping to prevent those accidents.
Motorcycle related businesses, such as Ironstone Ventures Rider Education Schools, support and sponsor BVMSF events, said its president, Joe Proia.
It's concept is an expansion of the successful Southeast Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund (www.SEMMSF.org) and the Massachusetts Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund (www.MassMSF.org).
Both those organizations' boards voted to support the expansion into the entire Worcester County region after recent exploration meetings earlier this month, also attended by several Star Touring members who've helped on past Events but live in areas outside Worcester County
"We know riders believe in helping other riders families who are in need after an accident," said Bob "Bobcat" Jerszyk of Millbury, one of the region's Star Touring leaders and longtime supporter the SEMMSF and MMSF.
The expansion team will host another organizational meeting Thursday night, Feb. 18th, at 7:00 p.m., at the Central Mass Safety Council site in W. Boylston. All Worcester County riders and those promoting motorcycle safety and awareness are invited to come hear more about the expansion and planned Events for the 2010 riding season. Please RSVP to info@bvmsurvivorsfund.org.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
11th Annual Nelson's Ride - logo design contest
Date: January 20, 2010
A "logo" design is needed for the 11th Annual MMSF "Nelson's Ride" - coming this August 22nd, staging at the beautiful ocean-side Stage Fort Park in Gloucester.
The selected logo design will go on the Event t-shirts, over 10,000 flyers, posters and postcards.
Entries must be received by Feb. 20, 2010 and should be submitted on-line via Contact@MassMSF.org or via the mail at MMSF, P.O. Box 427, Salem, MA 01970.
The Board of Directors of the MMSF, Inc., along with Nelson's Family, will be final judges of the entries.
The winner of the logo design selected will received two (2) Event T-shirts;
two (2) VIP passes to the 2010 Nelson's Ride; honorable mention throughout the 2010 season and at the Event.
All entries become the property of MMSF, Inc., with no additional compensation for their use other than stated herein.
Winner agrees to release of their name and photo to all media outlets.
Some themes to keep in mind, . . .
1) family friendly/oriented;
2) Nelson's accident in May 2000 became our 'ground zero' for motorcycle safety and awareness;
3) "Riders helping Riders,"
The MMSF Directors thank the riding community for its longtime support of the MMSF and its Events.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming MMSF supported events that help our own. . .
and watch for more info on our April 10th MMSF and Nelson's Ride kickoff Events Planning Meeting !
A "logo" design is needed for the 11th Annual MMSF "Nelson's Ride" - coming this August 22nd, staging at the beautiful ocean-side Stage Fort Park in Gloucester.
The selected logo design will go on the Event t-shirts, over 10,000 flyers, posters and postcards.
Entries must be received by Feb. 20, 2010 and should be submitted on-line via Contact@MassMSF.org or via the mail at MMSF, P.O. Box 427, Salem, MA 01970.
The Board of Directors of the MMSF, Inc., along with Nelson's Family, will be final judges of the entries.
The winner of the logo design selected will received two (2) Event T-shirts;
two (2) VIP passes to the 2010 Nelson's Ride; honorable mention throughout the 2010 season and at the Event.
All entries become the property of MMSF, Inc., with no additional compensation for their use other than stated herein.
Winner agrees to release of their name and photo to all media outlets.
Some themes to keep in mind, . . .
1) family friendly/oriented;
2) Nelson's accident in May 2000 became our 'ground zero' for motorcycle safety and awareness;
3) "Riders helping Riders,"
The MMSF Directors thank the riding community for its longtime support of the MMSF and its Events.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming MMSF supported events that help our own. . .
and watch for more info on our April 10th MMSF and Nelson's Ride kickoff Events Planning Meeting !
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Newburyport Daily News story on Carl Hutchinson event 10/24
In today's (Wednesday's) Newburyport Daily News, Page 4
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_293230102.html
Biker event to raise money for local man's funeral costs
SALISBURY — On Saturday, local motorcyclists, family and friends will honor local Salisbury resident and business owner Carl Hutchinson, who died at age 56 last month, with a ride and "Celebration of Life" party, co-hosted by LaChiquita's, Route 1, Salisbury.
"My dad used to take us to motorcycle events," said his daughter Ashley (Hutchinson) Turner. "It was always fun seeing motorcycles in our driveway when we were kids. He was a fixture in the motorcycle community, supporting a lot of charity rides."
"He gave a lot, and we are still in shock, but we want to honor and remember him as the husband, father, grandfather and friend he was to a lot of people. I'm honored his community wants to ride in his memory now."
Riders will begin staging at the LaChiquita's on Route 1 starting at 10 a.m. At noon, they will pull out for a short 29-mile ride through Amesbury and Southern N.H., head back to Hillside Cemetery and meet up with family and friends of Hutchinson for a grave site remembrance service, then go back to LaChiquita's for the Celebration of Life party with food, live music and prize raffles.
The Massachusetts Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund (www.MassMSF.org) is the host organization of the event to help the family offset funeral expenses. Requested donation is $15 per person, with children under 16 free.
"Carl gave a lot of himself over the years, working and participating in numerous charities. It is right to respect and honor his contributions and show his family he was respected and appreciated," said Paul W. Cote of Amesbury, president of the Survivor's Fund.
Advance tickets can be purchased at LaChiquita's, Drew's Cycle, Uncle Eddie's (all Salisbury) and Seacoast Cycles, (Newburyport) or online at www.MassMSF.org through Oct. 19 for tickets mailed to you or until Oct. 23 for tickets picked up at the door.
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_293230102.html
Biker event to raise money for local man's funeral costs
SALISBURY — On Saturday, local motorcyclists, family and friends will honor local Salisbury resident and business owner Carl Hutchinson, who died at age 56 last month, with a ride and "Celebration of Life" party, co-hosted by LaChiquita's, Route 1, Salisbury.
"My dad used to take us to motorcycle events," said his daughter Ashley (Hutchinson) Turner. "It was always fun seeing motorcycles in our driveway when we were kids. He was a fixture in the motorcycle community, supporting a lot of charity rides."
"He gave a lot, and we are still in shock, but we want to honor and remember him as the husband, father, grandfather and friend he was to a lot of people. I'm honored his community wants to ride in his memory now."
Riders will begin staging at the LaChiquita's on Route 1 starting at 10 a.m. At noon, they will pull out for a short 29-mile ride through Amesbury and Southern N.H., head back to Hillside Cemetery and meet up with family and friends of Hutchinson for a grave site remembrance service, then go back to LaChiquita's for the Celebration of Life party with food, live music and prize raffles.
The Massachusetts Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund (www.MassMSF.org) is the host organization of the event to help the family offset funeral expenses. Requested donation is $15 per person, with children under 16 free.
"Carl gave a lot of himself over the years, working and participating in numerous charities. It is right to respect and honor his contributions and show his family he was respected and appreciated," said Paul W. Cote of Amesbury, president of the Survivor's Fund.
Advance tickets can be purchased at LaChiquita's, Drew's Cycle, Uncle Eddie's (all Salisbury) and Seacoast Cycles, (Newburyport) or online at www.MassMSF.org through Oct. 19 for tickets mailed to you or until Oct. 23 for tickets picked up at the door.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Local Riders to honor Carl Hutchinson on October 24th
MEDIA RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, October 20, 2009
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
MMSF President, PAUL W. COTE, 978-535-8222 or claimscote@aol.com
ASHLEY TURNER (Daughter of Carl) 603-424-3640 orashleyturner226@gmail.com
LOCAL RIDERS TO HONOR CARL HUTCHINSON
(Salisbury, MA) - On Saturday, October 24, local motorcyclists, family and friends will honor local Salisbury resident and business owner, Carl Hutchinson, who died at age 56 last month, with a Ride and "Celebration of Life" party, co-hosted by LaChiquita's, Route 1, Salisbury.
"My dad used to take us to motorcycle events. It was always fun seeing motorcycles in our driveway when we were kids. He was a fixture in the motorcycle community, supporting a lot of charity rides," said his daughter Ashley (Hutchinson) Turner.
"He gave a lot and we are still in shock, but we want to honor and remember him as the husband, father, grandfather and friend he was to a lot of people. I'm honored his community wants to ride in his memory now."
Riders will begin staging at the LaChiquita's on Route 1 starting at 10 a.m. At noon, they'll pull out for a short 29 mile Ride through Amesbury and Southern, NH, back to Hillside Cemetery and meeting up with family and friends of Hutchinson, for a grave site remembrance service, then back to the LaChiquita's for the a Celebration of Life party with food, live music and prize raffles.
The Massachusetts Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund (www.MassMSF.org) is the host organization of the Event, to help the family offset funeral expenses. Requested donations is $15 per person, with children under 16 free.
"Carl gave a lot of himself over the years, working and participating in numerous charities. It is right to respect and honor his contributions, and show his family he was respected and appreciated," said Paul W. Cote of Amesbury, President of the Survivor's Fund.
Advance tickets can be purchased at LaChiquita's, Drew's Cycle, Uncle Eddie's (all Salisbury) and Seacoast Cycles, (Newburyport) or on-line at www.MassMSF.org through October 19th, for tickets mailed to you or to October 23rd for 'will call' - pick up at the door.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
MMSF President, PAUL W. COTE, 978-535-8222 or claimscote@aol.com
ASHLEY TURNER (Daughter of Carl) 603-424-3640 orashleyturner226@gmail.com
LOCAL RIDERS TO HONOR CARL HUTCHINSON
(Salisbury, MA) - On Saturday, October 24, local motorcyclists, family and friends will honor local Salisbury resident and business owner, Carl Hutchinson, who died at age 56 last month, with a Ride and "Celebration of Life" party, co-hosted by LaChiquita's, Route 1, Salisbury.
"My dad used to take us to motorcycle events. It was always fun seeing motorcycles in our driveway when we were kids. He was a fixture in the motorcycle community, supporting a lot of charity rides," said his daughter Ashley (Hutchinson) Turner.
"He gave a lot and we are still in shock, but we want to honor and remember him as the husband, father, grandfather and friend he was to a lot of people. I'm honored his community wants to ride in his memory now."
Riders will begin staging at the LaChiquita's on Route 1 starting at 10 a.m. At noon, they'll pull out for a short 29 mile Ride through Amesbury and Southern, NH, back to Hillside Cemetery and meeting up with family and friends of Hutchinson, for a grave site remembrance service, then back to the LaChiquita's for the a Celebration of Life party with food, live music and prize raffles.
The Massachusetts Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund (www.MassMSF.org) is the host organization of the Event, to help the family offset funeral expenses. Requested donations is $15 per person, with children under 16 free.
"Carl gave a lot of himself over the years, working and participating in numerous charities. It is right to respect and honor his contributions, and show his family he was respected and appreciated," said Paul W. Cote of Amesbury, President of the Survivor's Fund.
Advance tickets can be purchased at LaChiquita's, Drew's Cycle, Uncle Eddie's (all Salisbury) and Seacoast Cycles, (Newburyport) or on-line at www.MassMSF.org through October 19th, for tickets mailed to you or to October 23rd for 'will call' - pick up at the door.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Upcoming Events (October 15th edition)
Date: October 15, 2009
Upcoming Events . . . etc.
Saturday, October 17, Mass Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund supporting dealer, Cycles 128 ! "Flea Market" and service and winter storage deals.
10 - 5, . . . 107 Brimbal Ave., Beverly. For more info, see http://www.cycles128.com/
Saturday, October 17, Mass Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund supporting club, Aces and Eights RC Open House, 7 - 11 p.m., $ 2 food donation. For more info, see http://www.acesandeightsrc.com
Sunday, October 18, Blackstone Valley Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund "Meat Raffle," 1 - 4 p.m.,
Kapi's Pub, 270 N.Main St., Uxbridge, MA. 01569. For more info, see http://www.bvmsurvivorsfund.org/
Sunday, October 18, Mass Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund supporting club, Boston HOG's "21st Annual Witch Run"
Staging begins at 9:00 a.m., Ride leaves Boston HD at 1:00. For more info, see http://www.bostonhog.com/
Thursday, October 22, final "Friends of Carl Hutchinson" Ride & Celebration of Life Event Planning Meeting,
Sponsored by the www.MassMSF.org - LaChiquita's - 188 Lafayette Road, (Route 1) Salisbury, MA - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, "Friends of Carl Hutchinson" Ride & Celebration of Life, rain or shine, ride or drive.
Staging begins at 10:00, Ride leaves at Noon, meeting up with cars/trucks at Hillside Cemetery, Salisbury/NH line at 1:00
Back to LaChiquita's for food, live music by Soul Robot, raffles, auctions. Limited amount of Event T-shirts / stickers.
$15 per person donation requested.
Advance purchase at LaChiquita's, Drew's Cycle, Uncle Eddie's (all Salisbury) and Seacoast Cycles, (Newburyport) or
on-line at www.MassMSF.org through October 19th, for tickets mailed to you or to October 23rd for 'will call' - pick up at the door.
Saturday, October 31st, SEMMSF and MMSF supporting club, Manomet Mystery Riders Halloween Party, 7 p.m to midnight
John Alder Sports Club, Minuteman Lane off Beaver Dam Road, Manomet, MA.
For more info, see http://www.manometmysteryriders.com/
Friends of Tony Plante Event t-shirts and memorial patches available at MMSF supporting shop, Witch City Cycles,
11 Goodhue Street, Salem. See www.WitchCityCycles.com for more info.
Upcoming Events . . . etc.
Saturday, October 17, Mass Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund supporting dealer, Cycles 128 ! "Flea Market" and service and winter storage deals.
10 - 5, . . . 107 Brimbal Ave., Beverly. For more info, see http://www.cycles128.com/
Saturday, October 17, Mass Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund supporting club, Aces and Eights RC Open House, 7 - 11 p.m., $ 2 food donation. For more info, see http://www.acesandeightsrc.com
Sunday, October 18, Blackstone Valley Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund "Meat Raffle," 1 - 4 p.m.,
Kapi's Pub, 270 N.Main St., Uxbridge, MA. 01569. For more info, see http://www.bvmsurvivorsfund.org/
Sunday, October 18, Mass Motorcyclists Survivor's Fund supporting club, Boston HOG's "21st Annual Witch Run"
Staging begins at 9:00 a.m., Ride leaves Boston HD at 1:00. For more info, see http://www.bostonhog.com/
Thursday, October 22, final "Friends of Carl Hutchinson" Ride & Celebration of Life Event Planning Meeting,
Sponsored by the www.MassMSF.org - LaChiquita's - 188 Lafayette Road, (Route 1) Salisbury, MA - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, "Friends of Carl Hutchinson" Ride & Celebration of Life, rain or shine, ride or drive.
Staging begins at 10:00, Ride leaves at Noon, meeting up with cars/trucks at Hillside Cemetery, Salisbury/NH line at 1:00
Back to LaChiquita's for food, live music by Soul Robot, raffles, auctions. Limited amount of Event T-shirts / stickers.
$15 per person donation requested.
Advance purchase at LaChiquita's, Drew's Cycle, Uncle Eddie's (all Salisbury) and Seacoast Cycles, (Newburyport) or
on-line at www.MassMSF.org through October 19th, for tickets mailed to you or to October 23rd for 'will call' - pick up at the door.
Saturday, October 31st, SEMMSF and MMSF supporting club, Manomet Mystery Riders Halloween Party, 7 p.m to midnight
John Alder Sports Club, Minuteman Lane off Beaver Dam Road, Manomet, MA.
For more info, see http://www.manometmysteryriders.com/
Friends of Tony Plante Event t-shirts and memorial patches available at MMSF supporting shop, Witch City Cycles,
11 Goodhue Street, Salem. See www.WitchCityCycles.com for more info.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Upcoming MMSF supported Events (October 6th edition)
Upcoming MMSF supported events . . .
About 25 "Friends of Tony Plante" Event Shirts and 40 Memorial Patches will be available for sale at Witch City Cycles, 11 Goodhue Street, Salem, begining this Friday. Various shirts sizes while they last.
TONS of thanks to all who attended last month despite the rain ! See www.WitchCityCycles.com for hours, phone number.
Saturday night, October 10th, MMSF's supporting club, Xtreme Riders 9th Annual Season End BASH !
7-8 food buffet, 8 to ? PARTY - must be 21 or older. $15 per person.
Moose Lodge, 67 Fitchburg Street, Marlboro
See www.MassMSF.org for flyers and more info
Sunday, October 11, MMSF's supporting club, Aces & Eights Fall Ride
Pull out at NOON, . . .239 Western Ave, Essex, . . . 1 pm Party, live music, $15 per person. See www.MassMSF.org for flyer and more info
Saturday, October 24, MMSF sponsored "Friends of Carl Hutchinson" Memorial Ride and Celebration of Life Party
Host site, LaChiquita's, 188 Lafayette Road (Route 1) Salisbury, MA
Staging begins at 10 a.m., 30+ mile 'slow' Ride through Southern, NH, to Hillside Cemetery for grave site service, back to LaChiquita's. Live music, great food, raffles and auctions.
Advance tickets now available on-line and more info at www.MassMSF.org. Watch site for area shops/businesses selling tickets
Saturday, December 12, MMSF's Annual Christmas Party - Village Green, Route 1, Danvers. Watch www.MassMSF.org for more info.
Area supporting clubs - combine your Holiday Party with ours ! Save on food prices and other overhead !
For more information, write us at Contact@MassMSF.org. Inexpensive hotel nearby. Don't drink and drive !
About 25 "Friends of Tony Plante" Event Shirts and 40 Memorial Patches will be available for sale at Witch City Cycles, 11 Goodhue Street, Salem, begining this Friday. Various shirts sizes while they last.
TONS of thanks to all who attended last month despite the rain ! See www.WitchCityCycles.com for hours, phone number.
Saturday night, October 10th, MMSF's supporting club, Xtreme Riders 9th Annual Season End BASH !
7-8 food buffet, 8 to ? PARTY - must be 21 or older. $15 per person.
Moose Lodge, 67 Fitchburg Street, Marlboro
See www.MassMSF.org for flyers and more info
Sunday, October 11, MMSF's supporting club, Aces & Eights Fall Ride
Pull out at NOON, . . .239 Western Ave, Essex, . . . 1 pm Party, live music, $15 per person. See www.MassMSF.org for flyer and more info
Saturday, October 24, MMSF sponsored "Friends of Carl Hutchinson" Memorial Ride and Celebration of Life Party
Host site, LaChiquita's, 188 Lafayette Road (Route 1) Salisbury, MA
Staging begins at 10 a.m., 30+ mile 'slow' Ride through Southern, NH, to Hillside Cemetery for grave site service, back to LaChiquita's. Live music, great food, raffles and auctions.
Advance tickets now available on-line and more info at www.MassMSF.org. Watch site for area shops/businesses selling tickets
Saturday, December 12, MMSF's Annual Christmas Party - Village Green, Route 1, Danvers. Watch www.MassMSF.org for more info.
Area supporting clubs - combine your Holiday Party with ours ! Save on food prices and other overhead !
For more information, write us at Contact@MassMSF.org. Inexpensive hotel nearby. Don't drink and drive !
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Riders Testify in support of House Bill Number 1405
Date - September 29, 2009
(State House, MA) - Today, riders testified in a "panel group," before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, in support of House, No. 1405, a bill seeking to shift the financial burdens accident victims face, back to the at-fault operators.
State Senator Steve Brewer and Rep. Anne Gobi spoke first in support of HB 1405. Then the bill's author, Paul W. Cote, introduced the HB 1405, it's intent and significance , and the panel.
Panel testimony began with Jeff and Leila B. Leila testified about her accident where another vehicle hit her in an intersection, breaking every bone in her right leg. Over $71,000 in medical bills, the at-fault driver only has $20,000 in liability limits. Her husband Jeff, riding behind her and witnessing the accident, testified how the financial burden of the medical bills have affected their lives, through no fault of there own.
Next up, Mark P. of Natick testified how he lost one friend in 1998, and another in 2004, due to right of way violations. Betsy Lister testified, as a long time insurance agent and former director of motorcycle safety and awareness, how she gets calls after horrific accidents, and there is not enough coverage to compensation the victims.
Tom N. of Middleboro testified about his accident, when a driver turned left in front of three on-coming motorcyclists, that he lost his best friend, while suffering injuries and incurring medical expenses in excess of $30,000, . . . and ongoing, yet he only recovered $25,000, due to the inadequate limits of that at-fault operator. He lost his home, he still requires treatments and services.
Bill Gannon testified it's not about criminal penalties - that it is about adequate insurance and judges making meaningful sentences, to include community sentencing that helps prevent others from these injustices.
Cote wrapped up the testimony, reminding Committee members, who are mostly lawyers, that "tort law" is a remedy to 'right a civil wrong.' That the elements of HB 1405 seek to prevent victims of accidents from being 'victimized twice,' and to make the at-fault operators assume the financial burden they cause in excess of their liability insurance limits.
While another bill filed seeking to increase the criminal penalties of right of way violations, no one testified in support of that bill. Gannon spoke in opposition to that bill, telling Committee Members that in one accident a Judge revoked a person's right to operate for life. . . but that bill would have only taken away, that right for 180 days.
"Judges should use 'community service sentencing' - where appropriate," to make those at-fault operators tell their stories to others in hopes of preventing these accidents.
Riders are encouraged over the next two weeks to contact their own State Senators and Representatives, asking them to support HB 1405, by writing to the Joint Committee on Judiciary chairpersons, to vote HB 1405 out of Committee, with a 'favor, ought to pass' recommen dation.
For more information, contact me at claimscote@aol.com or www.JusticeRider.com.
(State House, MA) - Today, riders testified in a "panel group," before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, in support of House, No. 1405, a bill seeking to shift the financial burdens accident victims face, back to the at-fault operators.
State Senator Steve Brewer and Rep. Anne Gobi spoke first in support of HB 1405. Then the bill's author, Paul W. Cote, introduced the HB 1405, it's intent and significance , and the panel.
Panel testimony began with Jeff and Leila B. Leila testified about her accident where another vehicle hit her in an intersection, breaking every bone in her right leg. Over $71,000 in medical bills, the at-fault driver only has $20,000 in liability limits. Her husband Jeff, riding behind her and witnessing the accident, testified how the financial burden of the medical bills have affected their lives, through no fault of there own.
Next up, Mark P. of Natick testified how he lost one friend in 1998, and another in 2004, due to right of way violations. Betsy Lister testified, as a long time insurance agent and former director of motorcycle safety and awareness, how she gets calls after horrific accidents, and there is not enough coverage to compensation the victims.
Tom N. of Middleboro testified about his accident, when a driver turned left in front of three on-coming motorcyclists, that he lost his best friend, while suffering injuries and incurring medical expenses in excess of $30,000, . . . and ongoing, yet he only recovered $25,000, due to the inadequate limits of that at-fault operator. He lost his home, he still requires treatments and services.
Bill Gannon testified it's not about criminal penalties - that it is about adequate insurance and judges making meaningful sentences, to include community sentencing that helps prevent others from these injustices.
Cote wrapped up the testimony, reminding Committee members, who are mostly lawyers, that "tort law" is a remedy to 'right a civil wrong.' That the elements of HB 1405 seek to prevent victims of accidents from being 'victimized twice,' and to make the at-fault operators assume the financial burden they cause in excess of their liability insurance limits.
While another bill filed seeking to increase the criminal penalties of right of way violations, no one testified in support of that bill. Gannon spoke in opposition to that bill, telling Committee Members that in one accident a Judge revoked a person's right to operate for life. . . but that bill would have only taken away, that right for 180 days.
"Judges should use 'community service sentencing' - where appropriate," to make those at-fault operators tell their stories to others in hopes of preventing these accidents.
Riders are encouraged over the next two weeks to contact their own State Senators and Representatives, asking them to support HB 1405, by writing to the Joint Committee on Judiciary chairpersons, to vote HB 1405 out of Committee, with a 'favor, ought to pass' recommen dation.
For more information, contact me at claimscote@aol.com or www.JusticeRider.com.
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