Unfortunately another cyclist was hit by a motor vehicle on Sierra Highway. The only good news is that he has survived, but is in extremely serious condition. As it turns out, the truck’s mirror hit Kevin Mather as it passed. On the surface one might not think that a collision with a mirror could be that serious, however you have to realize the mirror is probably traveling at 60 mph, and weighs in the neighborhood of 10 pounds. Put in those terms, it is easy to get a sense of the kind of damage that can be caused upon impact with a human body.
You know it’s funny how motorists always seem surprised when you as a cyclist get angry at near misses. THIS IS WHY! Emilio Ramirez loses a mirror in this collision, and Kevin Mather is in a fight for his life. It is so simple, yet drivers just don’t pay attention. Emilio Ramirez passed a group of cyclists on the way to hitting Kevin Mather, and still was not aware enough to give some leeway to one more rider that he encountered. What makes this whole event more amazing, is that Emilio Ramirez left the scene! It was only after he realized that there were witnesses and physical evidence (the mirror) that he came back. Furthermore, he wasn’t arrested! If I hit a car with my car, causing 100.00 dollars in damage, and then left the scene. I’d be arrested. This joker almost kills someone, leves the scene, and he goes home that night.
I wish Kevin Mather and his family all the best, and hope he gets well very soon. Here are a couple of links explaining things better than I can:
http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/15278/
http://scvtalk.com/2009/07/07/terrible-bicycle-collision-on-sierra-highway/
