[Lindsyburnsy]

As I recall in drivers ed classes, you are supposed to have your car under control at all times.

Originally Posted by Gpsma

A travesty of justice.

Maybe if these bicyclists and their clubs(more like gangs) learned to ride responsibly these type accidents would never occur.

[YeOldeCurmudgeon]

The woman is 91 years old!

First of all, permanently suspend her driving privileges.

But prison, for someone 91? I don't see what good to society it serves to support the prison system this way.

Why not provide some way to mandate a sentence of community service for several years or as long as she is able to provide it. That to me would be a proper sentence in addition to suspending her driving privileges. If she can afford a Mercedes, she can afford an Uber to the place of service.

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by mikeycereal

I'm happy to see the older folks are keeping in shape and still got it. My Dad is in his mid 80s and he plays softball in an 80's league. Those old guys are an inspiration.

exactly! look @ Clint Eastwood

[JGibson]

Originally Posted by Fastskiguy

You have some good points and I have to comment on this one. TV is a "Gold Rated Community" but the League of American Bicyclists.

The Villages: Building a Bicycle Friendly Community in Florida | League of American Bicyclists

The fact that close calls, "bad feelings", and the occasionally maimed or killed cyclist happen here (one of the best places to ride in the entire country) is a sign that there is a major problem between cyclists and motorists.

And I just don't understand it. We're talking about taking just a moment, slowing down, and changing lanes. I doesn't matter if you're passing one rider or a group of 20, it's just a matter of seconds and you're past the group safely and on with your life as are they. Maybe once in awhile it's 20 seconds. But for some reason motorists just lose their everloving minds when they have to accommodate any other road users.

You even have posts on this thread (#11) that suggest cyclist wouldn't get hit if they rode responsibly. I mean, what the hell?? Is it OK to mow down anybody on or near the roadway just because they might be 1 foot to the left of where you think they should be?

I don't know what the the solution is but it sure is a problem.

Joe

Thanks for a mature response.

One solution would be to have dedicated barrier-protected bike lanes. Similar to what lots of cities have done to encourage bike riding for exercise and climate.

On another note all these 80+ people who are so proud of their health and rightfully so don't have the same reflexes as younger people.
Unless someone knows how to improve reflexes I wouldn’t get too arrogant about your triathlons.

[Maybelle]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

A 91 year old woman Villager was recently sentenced to 5 years in prison for a hit and run accident that seriously injured two bicyclists in 2020 near Morse Blvd in The Villages. After hitting the bicyclists, she got out of her car, saw the people she hit, and then drove home. She was later arrested when she tried to get her car repaired in Gainesville. The judge denied her request to delay serving her term and she was immediately taken into custody. Although it took more than 2 years to get justice, I wish more crimes were handled that way.

This is a death penalty. While the cyclists were seriously injured and the driver definitely should be punished, she could be sentenced to home confinement. A jail death sentence for a woman that age is not commensurate with the crime.

[sjeffries]

Originally Posted by PugMom

exactly! look @ Clint Eastwood

As a driver of a vehicle, would you be more careful and considerate of bicycle riders if you knew your family members were on those bikes?

Would you be less prejudiced about Hamilton’s sentence if she was your mother?

We don’t know her health issues, mental condition or what she thought on that day. No question she made some serious, criminal decisions for which she should pay the price.

We have to trust that the judge who knew all the circumstances, made the right decision. This event should be a valuable lesson to all drivers, young and old. Discuss it with your family.

[Mrs.Guy]

Originally Posted by Maybelle

This is a death penalty. While the cyclists were seriously injured and the driver definitely should be punished, she could be sentenced to home confinement. A jail death sentence for a woman that age is not commensurate with the crime.

I understand your feelings on this..... I don't agree, but do understand. I think the sentence is correct. 91 or 19 shouldn't come into play. What I don't understand as I have said before is some peoples' JOY seeing it imposed.

[Red Rose]

I have a feeling that she was drunk when she hit the bicyclists so she left the scene to avoid being found out. So, we will never know for sure.

[Mrs.Guy]

Originally Posted by rrtjp

“A bit much”
What do you call someone regardless of age that knowingly hurts someone, leaves the scene, doesn’t call for help and then tries to cover up what she did?
IMHO “a miserable excuse for a human being” is pretty accurate. This has nothing to do with what time of the year it is or hate.
The people she severely injured and their families are not going to be having a very merry CHRISTmas this year.

I call that person a convicted criminal who is about to do serious prison time. I also agree with the sentence as I have stated. "A bit much" still my opinion when someone makes them self feel better by calling a 91 year old woman names. You don't have to agree. My posts have "EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE HATE" being expressed by a lot of posters. IMHO

[rrtjp]

Originally Posted by Mrs.Guy

I call that person a convicted criminal who is about to do serious prison time. I also agree with the sentence as I have stated. "A bit much" still my opinion when someone makes them self feel better by calling a 91 year old woman names. You don't have to agree. My posts have "EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE HATE" being expressed by a lot of posters. IMHO

I think a lot of the hate people feel here is that in todays society some people refuse to accept responsibility for their actions, I for one have had it with people like this regardless of their age. Always some excuse why it’s not their fault. Being 91 years old is not a legal excuse. She knowingly left 2 people to die. Shake your head at that why don’t you.
No one is calling her names to feel better they are just stating the obvious. What type of person can do something like that and live with themselves?
Do you need a hint?
If you do see previous posts.

[fdpaq0580]

Personally, I find only sadness in regard to all aspects of this incident. Lives have been ruined. The only feeling other than sadness is satisfaction that some semblance of justice has been served. There are no winners here, only satisfaction that the guilty have been caught and will be punished. The victims will never be fully restored, regardless of any compensation. Terribly sad all around.

[mikempp]

I'm amazed with the speeds most people drive in the Villages and the regular cutting off that occurs we don't have more accidents. I usually drive 5-8 miles per hour over the limit and get tailgated and passed like I'm standing still at times. At it's usually some old old codger or old woman. Then they won't look at you. At first I thought i was the young drivers. By the way I'm 70.

[justjim]

Originally Posted by Cobullymom

Coleman has minimum and maximum security

Coleman is a Federal Prison for those that commit a federal crime.

[Bay Kid]

Maybe the court should of awarded the victims all of the 91 year old woman's money then sentenced her to a state nursing home.

[patfla06]

Originally Posted by airstreamingypsy

She didn't get 5 years for hitting them. She got 5 years for hitting them, stopping and getting out and seeing the carnage and getting back in and driving away. Then, if that's not bad enough she sent the car out of town to be repaired and dyed her white hair brown. Hitting them was an accident, driving away, hiding the car and changing her appearance was calculated. A young woman's life has been destroyed, so has her husbands. I hope they are well compensated.

Well said!
Also I wish more drivers here when seeing bicycles in the right
lane would get over right away and not wait until the last moment.