http://www.amnews.com/stories/2010/06/12/loc.372383.sto , right above this article is a "story photo" box to click on, there was an update and both were pronounced dead. This is about 3 miles from my home, I just rode on that same highway yesterday and didn't know that happened till I got home last night from riding. Pray for the families and everybody be safe.

Heard that on the news last night very sad and tragic.

Thoughts and prayers to their family. Life is short, live every day as this could happen to any one of us at any time. Back of my helmet says, "Live free or die tryin'" That's how I try to approach life.

It looks like they were on the wrong side of the road... and the SUV looks to be a little Kia model. Not a pretty sight.

Ride defensively, friends!

Always hate hearing this type of tragedy; especially this one with the kids riding behind in the car. But these kinds of accidents I like to follow. For those of you, where this accident happened in your area; please keep us informed of the outcome. Such as, was the driver charged with vehicular manslaughter. Also I would suggest, that local bikers show up at the hearing. Dressed as bikers, doesn't take very many, 3 to 5 or more. This is just to show support for the victims as they are members of our motorcycle community.

The support of the biker community can be strong if called on. But let me explain my reasons.

In CA; motorcycles are considered inherently dangerous; so if a car hits you, the courts will try to make it your fault. Many years ago, a cage driver, hit 2 twenty year old kids on a sport bike. He hit them head on, killing them both. The cage driver was charged with a DUI. This case was in the town where I worked; so I followed the case. Went to the hearings and watched on the news. Two families lost their children; but surprisingly there was never any support from fellow riders or the sport bike community. The trial lasted 2 years. The DUI charge was dismissed and the driver was charged with a Right of Way violation; a $100 fine; case dismissed.

I've riding for 40 years. Wild times in my youth and early adult life; but settled down to work in the corporate world. Life style bikers were and are still my favorite social life; never quite fit in the HOG scene never really wanted to patch. But this case was an awakening for me; I had no idea the courts were that bad..I was too sheltered living my middle class life style.

Watching the parents of the 2 murdered children walk out of courtroom; one of the mothers clinging onto her husband with her face pressed on his chest; then here comes the reporters. The reporter shoves his microphone into the womans face and wanted to know what she thought of the verdict. That was enough for me.

I am no longer in the corporate world and have gone back to my biker roots. I have joined several motorcycle rights organizations, been a board member and was invited to join one of the more confrontational organizations. During my time with ABATE, I let people know that I would help anyone with any insurance problems. I was getting a reputation has an in your face activist.

One case I was asked to help a woman who's husband was killed by a drunk driver. Appears her insurance company did not want to pay for the totaled bike as there was a trial. This particular case, a woman drinking in a bar, stood up and said she was going to go and kill a biker. She was drunk, it was early afternoon on a Saturday. A local HOG group had taken a group ride up in the foothills; one of the members had to leave early, he lived in the area. A middle aged guy with grandkids who just enjoyed riding motorcycles. The drunk gal went completely in his lane; hitting him so hard he was completely dismembered. The force of the impact knocked the front let wheel off of her truck. She kept driving for 6 more miles; showering sparks. The sparks caused 10 separate grass fires which resulted in the destruction of two homes.

I went out to the biker community and asked people if some could just show up at each trial, as bikers. No comments, just stating that as a motorcycle community we would not stand for this. I was at every hearing but one. At every hearing we had 5 to 10 bikers. Some independents, some HOG, some patch wearers. It didn't matter what you rode just as long as you showed up to make a silent statement

In about a year and a half, she was found guilty. I once again asked the biker community to show up for her sentencing hearing, as a show of force. This took place in Placerville CA. Over 110 bikers showed up; independents, various riding clubs, all types of patch wearers (including some 1%'s) Only a hand full knew the victim, that didn't matter, we as a motorcycle community would no longer stand for bikers getting killed with little to no justice. So many bikers showed up that the local news was there. At the start of the hearing, the judge addressed the biker community and thanked them for participating at each trial. The judge than apologized as his hands were tied by law. The maximum sentence in CA for killing a motorcyclist is 6 years. The sentencing was 6 years for killing a biker and 6 years for burning down 2 houses.

Point being we made a difference. Anytime a biker is down or killed, the motorcycle community must band together for support. It is the only way to secure justice.

Thank you

How the hell do you only get 6 years for murder !!!!!!!!!!!

That is what a lot of bikers said in CA. But remember, in many states, the courts consider motorcycles to be inherently dangerous. Many cases are dismissed or the cage driver simply charged with a ROW (right of way) violation. Check your various states to see what the fine is. Follow accidents to see what was charged...it WILL be a very rude awakening. The 6 year sentence was a mile stone for the biker community as so many are killed with no justice at all. The reason the courts get away with this is no one stands up for the motorcyclist. You want change, the motorcycle community must band together. Yes it really does work. And when it does and you are part of it....

I'm adding a post script; her comments about "killing a biker" were tossed out as "hear say". So the charge was DUI with vehicular manslaughter...plus distruction of property and other charges.