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Nags Head man charged in death of KDH bicyclist
Edwards
Brandon Geoffrey Edwards has been charged with felony serious injury by vehicle, felony hit-and-run and driving while impaired, after the 2006 Land Rover he was allegedly driving hit Dmytro Palii.
The 20-year-old from the Ukraine was riding a bicycle on Virginia Dare Trail in front of the Ramada Plaza hotel around 1:30 a.m.
A news release from Kill Devil Hills Police says a passerby discovered Palii at 1:59 a.m. and called 911.
Palii was transported to The Outer Banks Hospital, then airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to police, Palii came to the United States as a summer travel/work visitor and was employed by Food Lion in Nags Head.
Shortly after initiating their investigation, authorities received a call from persons identifying themselves as passengers in the vehicle that had struck someone in Kill Devil Hills.
The crash happened on the beach road. (Sam Walker)
A damaged 2006 Land Rover found at the residence was impounded.
Edwards was released on a $10,000 bond after making a first appearance in Dare County District Court, and additional charges in the case are pending.
Pedestrian and bicycle safety is a growing concern across the region. Two pedestrians have been killed on U.S. 158 this year in Dare County.
Three pedestrians have died in Currituck County since December, including two on Puddin Ridge Road in Moyock, and the third on U.S. 158 in Powells Point.
In 2010, two international students on bikes were serious injured after they were hit by a pickup on the bypass.
Last year, a New York woman on a bicycle was killed in a hit-and-run on U.S. 158 in Nags Head.
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Jamie says:
I can not beleive people would be so calous to leave this child on the side of the road to die alone. How the passengers could wait until they got home to call 911 is unforgiveable. Prayers to this young mans family who will get this tragic news.
OBX Mother says:
Does 10,000.00 seem low for bond in a deadly hit and run?
Jenn says:
I applaud the passengers that turned in their friend. We need more people with morals and integrity in this world.
Beach Bouy says:
Well, at least someone in the Land Rover had a conscience. This is very sad, for both sides of this tragedy.
katy says:
GOOD JOB KDH POLICE.
Mary March says:
Pedestrians and bikers on the OBX are scary to all motorists and hard to keep a watchful eye on, stone cold sober. There is just a lot of traffic of all kinds down there on a summer day. People call a cab when you leave the bar!!!
Linda C. says:
My prayers go out to the victims parents. I’m glad they caught someone finally in this string of hit and runs….
cjs says:
the bikers and walkers situation does need to be addressed but this sounds like an old fashioned case of “driving while impaired” like the article states…. if that can be proven, that is indeed the cause… not surprised, still just as sad, though.
Rob Morris says:
Please remember that these are only charges, not a conviction. We have to moderate comments on that basis. Thanks everyone.
craig says:
$10,000 dollar bail is an outrage for this crime should be $100.000
OBX Mom says:
This is a tragedy and I can’t understand why this poor young man was left to die on the side of the road. How could the driver or the passengers be so heartless and disrespectful of a humans life? I’m sure they were scared but it would have been better to deal with the accident when it happened,it may have even saved this young mans life.
Dawn says:
I feel so sad for the Ukraine boys family,my prayers go out.
I also feel that all three deaths occurring in less than Two months should address bicycle paths over the whole island, I will help start this petition, we shouldn’t invite these foreign kids here give them a bike and expect them to be safe, 3 deaths this year,3 last year, put an end to this dare county!!
Jamie says:
Did the passengers have morals and integrity… Their delayed reactions in calling seem to indicate fear got to them… Had it been morals and integrity perhaps one of them would have held that young mans hand And assured him help was on the way while he suffered on the side of that road…instead he was found half an hour later by another passerby… Could he have possibly been saved if the driver and passengers had the morals and integrity to report it immediatly…
CB says:
These “students” work odd hours and bike for miles to the job in the rain and darkness. I have seen my neighbors, who are Ukranian, riding in the bad weather to get to Food Lion. Details seem to be few and far between, but I was told he was on the sidewalk(bike path?) and the car ran off the road quite a ways, that he had severe head trauma and was in a coma instantly. True or not, my heart goes out to his family. Leaving the scene was shameful to say the least. Kids need to be taught to own up to their failures..not hide them!
For discussions sake says:
The word is the driver didn’t know the passengers that well.
He offered them a ride outside a bar, because they were having difficulty getting a cab.
If one was in a car that did a hit and run and they didn’t know the driver they may be apprehensive to do much while in the vehicle.
Mark says:
These kids come here with a job and sometimes a place to live. What they aren’t told is that we have no public transportation like they are accustomed to in Europe. We expect them to buy a bike with their first paycheck and navigate 158 and other roads for their US summer experience.
When will we step up and provide public transportation on the beach? How is it we cannot find any businesses or taxpayers to support a simple bus running up and down the island at an affordable fee for these foreign college students as well as locals that either need a ride or would prefer not to drive on our dangerous roads?
Where are the local politicians and the Chamber of Commerce? This is a black eye on the OBX community.
Duck Duck says:
Something needs to be done about the tourists on the side of the road in Duck. I drive that road everyday and they are running, walking riding IN the roadway! Not sure how many get hurt each year but the situation needs to be looked at before we have a major tragedy. At least in Southern Shores they have a separate path.
Oxana says:
RIP Dima. Condolences to the family and friends
George Mendelson says:
How many of us have driven on the Bypass or the Beach Road at night, perhaps in the rain, and almost hit a pedestrian or cyclist? Whether a driver is impaired or not, whether the victim or almost victim is local or not, it is a miracle that many more people are not killed or severely injured in vehicle/pedestrian or vehicle/cycle incidents.
Yet the towns and the county with the notable exceptions of Nags Head, Duck and portions of Roanoke Island continue to ignore the problem. Maybe when a well-connected local is killed, this problem might get the attention it deserves.
Suggestion: How about the Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce jointly promote multi-use paths along the full length of the Bypass and the Beach Road? In addition to funds from those organizations, towns and the county might also get on board. DOT might be approached for more money. Businesses and individuals might be solicited. Print and broadcast media might promote the project as a public service. Sections of the paths could be dedicated to those killed and injured.
This really isn’t rocket science and I am certainly not the first person to suggest this approach.
Hey, people. How many more lives will it take?
George Mendelson says:
Sorry. I inadvertently omitted Southern Shores from my short list of jurisdictions with good multi-use paths.
chaser says:
Public transportation in the south still carries the stigma of being poor, and god forbid there was actually a bus system that ran north to south and vice-verse. But the whole DWI_DUI money making system would be out of wack.
KDH Rezident Evil says:
It is way past time for this issue of multiuse paths to graduate from the comments section and the editorial page to the hallowed chambers of the Dare County Commissioners, KDH Commishes and whoever else is responsible for making decisions about these things.
Fishing Gal says:
So sad, no family here to grieve this young man. Family so far away. Breaks my heart.
I love to ride my bike. (usually in the day) But this is the first year that I have fear in riding any where on the beach. It’s dangerous. Locals and visitors are such in a rush and getting frustrated that they are losing their concentration on the road. My company is right off Croatan, and all day I hear breaks squealing! And each time my heart skips. We need sidewalks and street lights. No if ands or buts about it. Safety for those walking, biking or even driving. The Outer Banks needs to spend less on advertising and more on public safety. Prayers to the family!
Harold says:
If the County and KH, KDH and NH can’t get together to do it (which they ought to), then some enterprising person ought to start a beach road shuttle that runs back and forth up and down the beach road from MP 1 to MP 16 from 6 pm to 1:00 am during the high tourist season. It would help the economy, save driver’s licenses and lives. There must be a way to make money doing it.
TASHA says:
I am a Ukrainian myself, was born and raised there…and personaly think that $10.000 bond is some kind of a joke!!! SO WRONG… There should be no bond options for that heartless ignarant piece of trash who hit and run and killed that poor kid!!! He should be put on a groung and ridden over to death… but make him suffer! for god’s sake kid was only 20 years old… he has not seen a life yet!!! It’s absolutely makes me so mad… so sick to my stomach!!! Poor parents sent their child overseas, for him to see what is this american life and culture is about…and gonna get his dead body back!!! What a tragedy…
Bill says:
+1 on the public transportation bus idea!
We have basically two roads (Beach and Bypass) and bus stops could be set up quite easily. Run the public transportation only in the “on season” months and offer per ride as well as weekly/seasonal fare packages and deals with the realty rentals.
Effect would be reduced vehicle traffic, less drunk driving, less pedestrian/cyclist deaths, and the silver lining of an income stream for the county!
We spent 38 million for new beach sand in Nags Head alone, perhaps we can spend a fraction of that for safe public transportation and a longer term income generator!?!
Public officials in the county need to be smart, pragmatic, and creative in their thinking. Unfortunately, we simply do not see that in our elected officials….
Todd says:
If we can spend 36 million for beach nourishment how about spending a few million on bike paths on the entire OBX. It may not have prevented this terrible accident but it sure would make a lot more pedestrians and cyclists safer.
Hidn' Sikh says:
What has been suggested is a network of Jitneys, small van-based shuttle busses that could be flagged down by a person as it approaches, along with fixed stops at shopping centers and restuarant/bars. A season pass or pay as you go would have to be worked out. Look for a huge protest from local taxi outfits, though.
Meanwhile, be aware that you are sharing the road. Be smart. Be alert and be respectful, everyone. Bikers, and I am one of them, need to use low-cost LED flashers front and rear, and try to score a reflective vest from a highway worker and wear it, especially at night. It can save your butt, believe me.
OBXNutCase says:
People will keep doing hit and runs until the laws and sentences regarding them get tougher. Most major cities have a list of unsolved hit and run fatalities as long as your arm. Yet when these people are found, they get charged with involuntary manslaughter or other less serious crimes and their punishments are mere slaps on the wrist. We had a guy in town who was caught after killing somebody, had a large portion of his sentence suspended, then I saw him at the gym well before the remainder of his sentence was supposed to be completed. Start elevating these crimes to 1st or 2nd degree murder when you leave the scene of an accident that kills somebody, and maybe fewer people will do it. It’s also a sad reflection of our society that so many people have no sense of accountability or concern for others.
Watchyourtongue says:
I know everyone is putting this guy down that did this bit I can guarantee that 90% of us has driven down that road under the influence or even texting and it could of been any one us! This is a good guy who is polite and very respectful of everyone! This is a terrible thing but please try to think before you make him look like a monster! He was probably scared to death and yes he should of stopped and my heart breaks for that boys family but I don’t even think this guy has even had a speeding ticket! He’s a good person regardless of an ugly situation!
Local says:
How about some sort of Trolley system….cheaper than a bus. Va Beach did it for years on Atlantic Avenue…cost was like 50 cents a ride….and all it did was go up and back over and over all day long until 2am when the bars close. They now use “green” buses for $2 a ride.
Pat Avon says:
Jitneys are a great idea.. lived it Atlantic city for 5 years,, long ago.. Did not even own a car.. could go up and down the Ave.. all day for a low price..Beach road would be perfect for that..this area has to do something.. to busy and to many cars.. I am sure, people would rather take a Jitney then drive..parking is a problem..Also walking a bike paths are long over DUE…
Hidin' Sikh says:
Pat Avon- That’s exactly what I’m talking about. If such a system can work to provide transportation, safely and throughout the late hours, in a place as busy as Atlantic City,… Why couldn’t such a system work here?
Groups of hard-partying tourists could ride from bar to bar safely on a jitney, just like AC, and get dropped off at their street when the party was over. Workers could also use the Jitney for their commute. They may be surprized at how easy it is to cut down on their driving.
Also, a few of the bicycle targets may choose to ride the jitney.
NCgirl says:
Watchyourtounge…I agree with you 100%! I too know this young man. It’s a very sad situation all the way around. Prayers too all involved.
Julia says:
This is such a tragic event. I’m very glad to see the passenger had enough courage to stand up and admit what happened. I only have to wonder if this poor young boy would still be alive if they hadn’t delayed that call, or better yet made his friend stop when it happened. I guess those are questions that will linger forever.
RIP
beachgirl says:
This is sooo sad!! I too knew the guy who was driving but also knew the student that was hit. its very sad that foodlion dosnt have a better system for these students we bring them here give them a place to say for 2 weeks then dump them out to fend for themselves!! it horrible!!! RIP Dmytro!! the worst thing…could u emagine sending ur child to another country not seeing them for over a month the getting a phone call that he is now dead and now u will be getting him back to have a funaral for him…no good bye…
Lynne says:
Watchyourtongue and NC Girl…thank you for speaking up about the driver. I got to know this young man a few years ago and feel the same way. I am heartbroken for him as well as for the victim. I am saying prayers tonight for both families.
obx-er says:
Im struck by the judgement of this discussion. Dmytro was only 20 years old. Brandon in only 23 years old. Most of what you are judging is hearsay. Yes, hit and run is horrible. Yes under the influence is horrible. Yes, the county could spend more money on keeping its visitors and residence safe. It doesn’t appear to be their priority. We have been trying to get a bike path to Colington for years. Both families are grieving. Both families are devastated. I’m sure Brandon’s life will never be the same. Dmytro didn’t deserve to be left on the side of the road. Its sad. All the way around. It’s just so terribly sad. I know Brandon, he is a kind, thoughtful, polite young man. Who, I can only assume, was scared out of his mind. Fear and confusion took over his ability to do the right thing.
Fishing Gal says:
He may have been a “nice” guy. But NO MAN or LADY would leave a person that you or anyone else, hit on the side of the road to die, ALONE! Think about that for a moment! I’m sure he was afraid and confused. But in a time when your supposed to stand up and claim your responsibility, he choose to RUN! That does not make him a “Nice” guy. How would you feel if this was your child on the side of the road? And find out that the one who caused this decided to drive home. What if those few minutes he was alone before he was found could have saved his life? Would you still have compassion for this “nice” guy? You are judged by your actions. His action showed heartless, careless and selfish!! From that moment he choose to drive away, he will always be known as a selfish heartless person. Yes, I will say a prayer for him. Cause this young guy will need some forgiveness. But my heart bleeds for the kid that was left to die on the side of the road.
kdh local says:
I agree 100% with fishing gal. Anyone can be “nice” but your actions show who you really are in life, and as you can see the Driver actions show a lot… If you hit someone the nice and right thing to do is STOP and call for help not run away… Thank God they caught him and hopefully he will pay for what he did…
islander says:
Fishing Gal, thank you for your post. Mine was in a similar vain and has since been deleted.
jessica says:
If you dont know the full story then why are you wasting your time giving your two cents on the story. The passengers called the police as soon as they got home, their house only 2 mi from the scene. As for brandon… He deserves all the punishment he’ll get but it sucks that this is what had to happen to a great person for them to get a wake up call about drinking and driving
Joanna says:
don’t criticize the passengers. the article doesn’t say when they called. and if you’re in a car with a frantic driver who has just hit a person, who knew what he could have done if the passengers immediately called the police. I’m sure they were telling him to stop the car. as for Brandon it is a terrible thing he did and will get the punishment he deserves but he should not be viewed as a monster.
Kim Wright says:
At least there seems to be more people upset now than when I lost 2 friends on the 4th of July( 2 seperate incidents). Wayne Miller was run over not once but twice on Colington Rd. and seemed nobody but his family and friends cared. Pam Sanderlin was killed on the causeway a few yrs. later. Both of these kids were natives, but I don’t see any memorials other than tombstones that I quietly visit when I go home. And we had a bus that ran for a season or two. Where did it go? Always a native, just can’t live where the politicians only care about themselves- most aren’t even from there. Sorry about the victims of late, but nothing changes.
Outer Banks Local says:
I think it is very sad to hear someone say “At least 90% of us have driven down that road under the influence.” I have lived here all of my life and would never drink and drive. I know how dangerous it is and I always call a cab or find a ride. I really HOPE that most other locals think the same way. I don’t care if this guy had a clean past…your actions show who you are and to have left a young man to die on the side of the road is sick and heartless. It cannot be undone. I did not know the boy who was hit but I am truly sending all of my love to his family and friends. So tragic and I hope that at the least this story will help push the OBX to do something about not only getting public transportation but also cracking down on drinking and driving.
Pete says:
A terrible tragedy. You would think that foreign owned (Belguim) Food Lion would do more themselves about foreign student worker housing and saftey rather than depending on local run faith based support for these young adults.
Are these groups that give out the free bikes to foreign workers being negligent if they do not provide proper safety gear with them?
Do the parents of these workers really think that a big corporation is really concerned that the low paid kids they bring over get proper housing and treatment?
The driver involved is/was? a bartender, we have seen multiple accidents caused by these resturaunt employess when they get off work. Most local resturaunts off “shift drinks” to there staff when they get off work,is it time to look into this practice and see if it should be stopped?
oh wow says:
I’ve said this before, but:
The Outer Banks is trying to be a place in which locals and visitors can walk EVERYWHERE because isn’t that so nice, convenient and quaint?
At the same time, the Outer Banks features a crazy four-lane-highway, complete with a large amount of stores and attractions that should not be walked to.
However, as someone else already pointed out, rental companies advertise “a short walk to the beach,” making it sound normal and safe to cross a busy highway.
Foreign exchange students and workers who are here solely to work are also sold the idea that they can travel without a car to their workplaces, which are often located in busy, busy places like French Fry Alley or other venues along 158.
Would they come and work here if they needed a car to do so? Nope. That wouldn’t be feasible for them. So, if companies were discouraging workers by being honest about transportation needs, then who would work for them? What would happen to Wings, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, Wendys, etc.? I think Outer Banks towns and these companies/franchises need to decide what’s REALLY important here.
This is a heartbreaking occurrence. Much love to this gentleman’s family.
Jane says:
It is sad to say but the Outer Banks is no longer a safe place to ride a bike or walk. All of these International students get around in both these ways. They never have a car. I think it’s a crime not to warn them before they take these jobs that they are risking their lives working here and walking and riding a bike everywhere.
Lucy Power says:
There, but by the Grace of God, goes either you or I. Not one of us is above the choices either one of these young men made.
someone how cares says:
NO ONE SHOULD DRINK AND DRIVE. HELLO. I DONT CARE HOW YOU ARE. IS IS JUST STUPID. TO DRINK AND DRIVE.
M says:
Food Lion in Nags Head (by Outer Banks Mall), where Dmytro worked, is collecting donations to assist his family with his final expenses.
Melissa says:
None of you have any idea what you would of done in a similar situation. It is suchhh a tragedy this happened but you have NO place to judge another human beings on their mistakes. You think he wanted to kill someone? You think he wanted to run? No probably not. He was scared and didn’t know what to do. It is so sad someone lost their life but this is not a monster. PEOPLE MAKE MISTAKES as awful as they can be! Grow up and stop being so hateful! This was a young nice sweet boy and so was the person hit they both had their whole lives ahead of them and this is an unthinkable tragedy. I’m sure some of the people leaving such malicious comments have driven drunk and gotten away with it. Gossiping about a 23 year old kid no matter what he did isn’t going to make you a better person. It’s sad and he should get punished of course. But I’m sure he is grieving and you need to realize he has to live with this forever. He’s not a bad person.
Mr Nice Guy says:
Colington Road is a death trap for bikers and walkers. It is criminal.
Watchyourtongue says:
Melissa thank u!
RnR says:
Well I have heard several rumors that say KDH has the funds to build a sidewalk like NH but dont want to use the money!! BS! I think this so stupid! For one second, lets forget how many people have died and think about those who are living wit disabilities and can not get around kdh safely. I live in KDH and anytime I want to walk with my kids, I have to go to NH because KDH has no side walks that lead anywhere. What about residents who are in wheelchairs that would like to get out and see the beach? Oh sorry KDH does not think of you. I am surprised they are not faced with a discrimination lawsuit. This is a problem that has been here for a long time but no one cares until people die. So much for being a loving, caring community. Even the NEW Food lion, has no sidewalks up to the light, so you must walk in the turning lane, while cars try to squeeze by you EVEN WITH 2 KID STROLLERS, just to get to the crosswalk! OBVIOUSLY THE ONES BUILDING THESE PLACES HAVE NO KIDS AND DONT CARE ABOUT THE DISABLED.
kdh local says:
$10,000 bond? Are you kidding me??? There have been $20,000 or even higher bonds on ppl that sell drugs such as cocaine…
Melissa says:
Your welcome! And I have someone almost hit me in a parking lot the other day! Something came over me and I told her off the words “I could of killed you and not cared” came out of her mouth. She wouldn’t of even of cared if she hit and killed me. That’s a monster.
Concerned says:
I’m sure the driver is considered a nice guy. I do know exactly what I would do in this situation because when I drink I call a cab and I wait until it gets there. Or I begin to walk home. I do not get in the drivers seat. I don’t offer to give others a ride when I’m drunk. I know that I would not leave someone to die. This great guy didn’t call even anonymously to alert someone that a boys head hit his windshield. I know the passengers and they did wait to call. Yeah there’s panic and there’s common decency.
You can say that you don’t know what you’d do in the situation, but I do know because I don’t put myself in the situation. Everyone knows the possible consequences of drinking and driving. I’d have agreed with the “great guy who made a mistake” if he had stopped his car. I’d agree with “poor passengers in a bad spot” if they’d called immediately. The whole thing is sad for both boys and both families as well as the passengers. But a boy was hit and left bleeding.
Concerned says:
And I’d say that the boy laying in a pool of blood was probably more scared than the driver. The driver faces prison time, but he’s alive and his family will be able to talk to him and hug him. Not the boy going home in a body bag. Feel badly for this driver but remember the outcome of his chosen action.
mariya paliy says:
I am the mother of the boy, who was shot down your “American citizen”. I live in Ukraine, where as everyone says there is no justice, and laws. When my child was going to America I wanted it perfect English, look for a legitimate and fair state. I can not believe that in a country like yours could well zvirsky to kill my child and left to die on the road. Does your state leadership can make the order of people who go driving pyani, or under the influence of drugs. Why do you take children to their country and not give any guarantees to their lives? ……….. I very much regret that allow your child to go to America. Maybe not all is well translated, because I do not know English.
mariya paliy says:
My child was riding at night from work, then why allow these children to work for such a late time, and do not keep control as the child goes home. I think that these programs on a summer holiday children have a lot of mistakes.
Sue says:
I myself have hit dogs who ran out in front of me and tried to locate the owner. I know other people who have done the same. There are others who could not care less. This victim was a person. What are we as a society becoming?
Old nag says:
Very sad how the local government has not kept up infrastructure with the growing need. Down in nags head there are plenty of new pick-up trucks for crews. Yet no side walks for these youngsters to get safely to work and back?
Next time you are out driving watch for a patch of sidewalk that then turns to sand or dirt. There is no rhyme or reason to the sidewalks. Such a busy road needs a place for people to walk, in safety.
A kid riding a bike to work for the summer who goes back home in a body bag isn’t right.
You want the tourists and their money; want to import youngsters in to work, build the needed sidewalks. Ocean city, va beach, myrtle has sidewalks. Why doesnt Obx?
Steve says:
The real problem is too many people here.
Local Mama says:
Praying for the victim and the driver.
Sue says:
I didn’t know where else to put this link, but since people are discussing how to address the bikers’ problems, here is a European perspective and possible solution:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/hovding-invisible-bike-helmet-hair-intact-head-safe/story?id=17049677#.UDj_8sGPU3q
Face says:
There was a hit & run fatality in Metro Richmond Virginia recently…the guy that hit the girl(she had just left her job at a local restaurant)…..this guy first claimed that he did not know that he hit something….then he hit a deer…..he waited 96 hours after the death to turn himself in…..science states that “alcohol” stays in the human body for about 80+/- hours…..hmmmmmmm……..she had changed into High VIZ clothing, had new lights on the front & read of her bike…..AND this guy had about 20 driving offenses against him….three of which were reckless driving…..and the others were speeding…..so…..let’s see…..DUI, speeding, Hit & Run, death…..
and the statue states…..the maximum sentence is only 10 years…..sad.
c says:
Last week my family was staying in Kill Devil Hills. At about 10:00 on August 20th, we witnessed flashing lights close to the intersection of Landing and 158. When we went out to see, the neighbors told us that a pedestrian was struck and killed. We watched the driver of the truck involved fail a breathalizer test and get hauled away in the police cruiser. I thought for sure it would have been on the news or at the least be in the paper. Does anyone know anything about this? I have been praying for days that maybe someone got the story wrong – and that there was no pedestrian involved…
sos says:
Two problems. 1. Drunk Driver(enough said) 2. Poor bicycle and defensive driver education. I have spent 30 years teaching driver education and 20 years teaching defensive driving. We as a community need to do a better job educating all users of the highway transportation system. Riding against the flow of traffic, assuming others will turn because they have a turn signal on, etc. These are dangerous and lead to collisions/fatalities. Simply making awareness announcements on the radio is not enough. Yes it is a great start. But we as a community can do better. Instead of slapping every violator with a ticket/fine/ prayer for judgement/dismissal, force them into a defensive driving classroom for a few hours with someone that can help educate and teach them techniques and awareness that will save lives. I can not tell you how many ignorant behaviors I see on our roadways every single day. The police need to deal with pedestrians and bicycles as well as auto drivers breaking the law. At an affordable cost to all, educate instead of slapping them with a monetary fine.
Nu2obx says:
Being new to the area after many years of vacationing and an avid cyclist I decided to do some researching about riding on the Outer Banks. This article came up on a web search so I decided to read. My posts may be dated from the original but I feel that I still need to say this. I first want to say to those of you that have not been so quick to pass judgement that I applaud you for understanding that there is obviously a horrible issue that needs to be addressed for the area, that being transportation infrastructure. And to the others i.e. “Fishing Gal” “Jessica” and “islander” I want to say that I’m appalled by your posts to this article! I first want to ask since your responses seem to be so certain, were you there? Do you know the full circumstances of the accident in and out? Why was the boy riding a bicycle home at this hour and not offered a ride by a fellow co-worker? What has been done to help alleviate a future repeat? Even the boys own mother stated that she doesn’t know why the employer would allow him to ride home at such a time. I’m not justifying the drivers actions in any way, believe me there is blame to both parties involved. What I am saying is that if you don’t know the full extent/circumstances, keep your mouth shut! See the problem is that you can be so arrogant and quick to point a finger, but my question to you is, Have you done anything to prevent this tragedy from repeating itself?? To the victims family my condolences go out to you! As for the driver my heart goes out for he and his family! I speak on this from experience of having a brother that was subjected to the similar scrutiny due to an accident (non vehicular) in Ohio back in 1997….. He is no longer with us. Bottom line, if there were more people like “Sue” that post ideas on how to go about finding a solution to this horrible problem that plagues our county instead of playing the blame game as those mentioned above obviously are, we would be a lot better off!
Dj Andy says:
Having worked in clubs here since i waa 19…now 38…i can tell you are not a local. most locals know someone. affected by a drunk driver. He fled the scene….and since u don’t know
To a former Soviet block student a cab or a car costs precious money. Plus the almost 3k they spent to get here…most ride bicycles all hours…they have two jobs to pay for the progr and have some spending money..maybe buy an ipad..see NYC..miami then go home with maybe $1000 left if they are lucky. This kid did not go home. We organized some real money really fast to send his parents a message …we care! I have many good friend back in their countries that made it. R Palii did not. .. We accomodate 250 students. per year. These kids are not avid cyclists ..they ride beaxh cruisers when its 100 plus dsgrees to make minimum wage. Don’t dismiss. this or blame anyone but the driver…if u have a bus to donate…i will gladly drive it for $3 a ride roundtrip…every 30 mins…but your bike won’t hold that many.