From Treehugger http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/07/door-prize-lady-charged.php
by Lloyd Alter on 07. 4.08
We were appalled when, after yet another door prize death, a policeman discussed charging the woman who did it and said “If she didn’t look, would that be negligence? It’s very hard to label that as negligent." In our survey, 75% of the respondents agreed that " The driver broke the law and killed someone and should be charged to the full extent of the law."
Well it turns out, she has been charged, with "Open Vehicle Door Improperly", which carries a maximum punishment, if convicted, of demerit points and an approximate $110 fine.
Is this enough? "The consequences should reflect the severity of the crime," said Yvonne Bambrick, the assistant co-ordinator of the Toronto Cyclists Union. "We do not believe that this charge is adequate in this matter" ::The Star Press release from Police below the fold.
Toronto Police ServiceNews Release
Traffic fatality #20/2008, Update, Charge laid
Friday, June 27, 2008 - 3:11 PM
On Thursday, May 22, 2008, at 1:12 p.m., police responded to a personal injury collision at Eglinton Avenue West/Avenue Road.
It is alleged that:
- a 57-year-old man was cycling east on Eglinton Avenue West, passing a line of parked cars on the south side of the street,
- an occupant of one of the cars, a woman, 43, opened the driver's door,
- the cyclist struck the door, lost control of his bicycle, fell onto the roadway and was struck by a truck.
The cyclist was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. This is the first cycling fatality of 2008.
Traffic Services, in consultation with the City of Toronto’s Prosecutors' Office, have laid a charge of “Open Vehicle Door Improperly” under the Highway Traffic Act.
An information laying out the charge has been filed with Old City Hall Courts.
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