Accident claims life of motorcyclist

billyjoejimbob (anonymous) says...

another idiot not paying attention while driving. PAY ATTENTION. If you don't focus on driving while you are behind the wheel, you could kill someone, or yourself. Put down the cell phone and the starbucks.

July 24, 2008 at 5:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

whalernut (anonymous) says...

I have known Todd for a long time and considered him a friend. People better start looking for bikes!
My heart and prayers go to Todds family. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.

July 24, 2008 at 6 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

RTC (anonymous) says...

Oh no, I have known Todd since he was a young child.
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family.
This is heartbreaking.

July 24, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guerryb (anonymous) says...

I am Todd's brother. I spent the afternoon with him and was with him until 5 minutes before his death. We are bikers! We ride!

We were talking yesterday about how it seems that people have an attitude today that if you run over and kill someone on a bike it's acceptable. We traded stories of the idiots in cars who scare us on a daily basis. They regularly cause us to swerve violently to avoid being run over. We skid and slide to avoid those who pull in front of us.

We talked of horns and helmets and how neither of them would save our lives if we were to get run over by a car. No helmet could have saved Todd. I know without any doubt. I cried over his broken and battered body. I saw the ball of twisted 57 Sporster underneath the truck. I viewed the Acura that was driven by the drunk driver. I have seen enough. I have had enough!

After I post this message I will walk out of my house. I will go for a ride. I will not wear a helmet today. Normally, I always do. Today I will need the cooling wind to sooth my burning eyes. The wind will clear my head. I will revisit the scene of the crime. I will ride with Todd forever!

July 24, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SmarterThanYou (anonymous) says...

I see the stupidity runs in the family.

July 24, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lansotto (anonymous) says...

Todd was a great friend and I will think of him daily. He was a groomsman in my wedding 9 years ago, he was like an uncle to me, we spent some time together the day before this tragedy. My sincerest condolences go out to the Guerry family. If there's anything that I can do for anyone please let me know.
Lans Otto (Courtney's nephew)

July 24, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

motoflyguy (anonymous) says...

Smarter than you you are a heartless idiot! Its people like you that make me want to puke! Todd was the victim as was his whole family not only the victims once but now idiots like you make them the victim over and over again!
I would love to meet you in person to help you understand these things!

July 24, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BigSargeofSC (anonymous) says...

Shame of this is that the driver who pulled out and casued the crash will most likely not face any man slaughter charges, which is a dang shame. I don't ride, but I have many friends who do and I'm always looking out for bikers.

The headline reads that an accident took Mr. Guerry's life. No, an accident didn't take his life, a careless driver not paying attention killed him.

July 24, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

shoelaces (anonymous) says...

As I started to read this I am ashamed to say I was thinking, "bet this guy wasn't wearing a helmet." But as I read the full article it became obvious that a helmet would not have mattered in this event.

I hope the motorist who pulled out in front of Mr. Guerry will be prosecuted to the fullest for this tragedy.

I also hope that "smarter (doubt it) than you" has learned something too. You don't spit in the face of someone who has lost a loved one and not expect backlash. You are not very "SMART" on this posting today.

I learned not to judge a story by its headline and to wait for the facts in stories like this.

Condolences to the Guerry family.

July 24, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BigSargeofSC (anonymous) says...

"I viewed the Acura that was driven by the drunk driver."

Not that I'm doubting anything, but how did you come to the conclusion that the driver was drunk? I ask because this is an aggravating circumstance and the driver could be charged with vehicular homicide. I'm just asking, thats all.

July 24, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Radar24 (anonymous) says...

He said he went to the crash scene. People need not to focus on whether a helmet was worn or not, this whole accident might have been avoided if the person driving the Acura was not behind the wheel after a "couple" drinks (isn't that what everyone says). What if I had been in my car with seat belt on when the person turned in front of me and I died as a result, the Guerry's are the true victims of this. I am truly sorry for your loss, maybe one day people will understand how drinking and driving can affect not only their lives, but the lives of others.

July 24, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Radar24 (anonymous) says...

I wish the P&C would put the mugshot and story about every person charged with felony DUI on the front page, maybe then people would realize how bad of a problem it really is.

July 24, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

southerngrace (anonymous) says...

very sad I am sorry for the family.

July 24, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

buzzinlikealdrin (anonymous) says...

Hey "smarterthanyou"...you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

July 24, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Radar24 (anonymous) says...

http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/m...

Another case where your reaction time is affected by alcohol and someone gets killed.

July 24, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BigSargeofSC (anonymous) says...

Radar, I get he was at the sceen. What I asked is how did he know the Acura driver was drunk? I'm not doubting him or anything. If the driver was DUI, then the driver of the Acura will have the book thrown at him/her at a high rate of speed. The article is painly short of details, such as if any arrest were made, who was driving the car, and if a DUI test was given.

July 24, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Radar24 (anonymous) says...

Thank the P&C for that, as usual they skew an article without putting in all the facts. Or waiting until all the facts are known.

July 24, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JDHawg (anonymous) says...

Condolences to the Guerry family

It amazes me how attitudes change when the story is about someone just about everybody knows.

again Condolences to the Guerry family

July 24, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Yankee_Don (anonymous) says...

Guerryb - sorry to hear about your brother. Ride Free!
Smarterthanyou-- wow you must be a legend in your own mind.
Your post about stupid runs in the family was way out of line. First that person just lost his brother; second I am a biker and have lost friends to "smarterthanyou" drivers of cars -- who have that exact mentality.

To ALL! Don't let media or people like "smarterthanyou" influence your decision on living life the way you want. If you want to ride a motorcycle with or without a helmet than do so! Don't judge anyone who rides -- they are doing something that they enjoy--isn't that is what we should be doing in this life? I ride and ride daily - drive around long enough you'll see me I ride a blue ultra classic - people in cars are the individuals that the media should be targeting -- for not driving responsibly!
Again to the family and friends of Todd - I am sorry for your lose..if you can get any comfort remember he went out of this world doing something that he enjoyed?

July 24, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

farfallaspeaks (anonymous) says...

I'm confused. I could have sworn yesterday the article said he died from trauma to the head.

Either way, if you have kids and a family, you should think of them and wear a helmet anyways. It reduces your chances of getting killed. It could be the smallest accident, and you could get killed for not wearing a helmet.
It's like not wearing a seatbelt.

Was the driver drunk? The story doesn't say.

MY heart goes out to the family.

I suggest everyone suggest removal of smarterthanyou's comment. He is evil, and I wouldn't want a family member to read that right after his brother's heart felt post, which almost made me cry.

July 24, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jammer (anonymous) says...

my sincere condolences to the family

his brother probably knows the guy/girl was drunk because the police working the scene told him...

they need to enact stronger charges and prosecutions on people pulling out in front of bikes, it was no accident... it was careless/reckless homicide like another poster mentioned

smarterthannoone if I was that brother I'd be hitting up the PC to find out exactly who you are and pay you a visit

July 24, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...

Guerryb--I feel for you, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'll go for a ride today on Rifle Range Road in memory of your brother.

Smarterthanyou--I deplore abortion, but in your case, it should be retro-active.

Farfellaspeaks--I agree with you to a certain extent. Adults have the right to make their own decision whether to or not wear a helmet. NTSA says 87% (as of 1992) of all motorcycle deaths involve massive trauma and therefore helments would have made no difference in surviveability.

The key people is public awareness and education. Stop with the slap-on-the-wrist mentality and get tough with offenders. If this driver was drunk, charge him with vehicular homicide. If just negligent, charge him (or her) with manslaughter.

July 24, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...

Sorry for the typo, the NTSA stat is from a 2002 report.

July 24, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ksutler (anonymous) says...

My heart goes out to the Guerry family.

July 24, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mypointofview (anonymous) says...

http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/j...

FYI, the driver who pulled in front of the biker has now been charged. Condolences to the family of the biker.

July 24, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...

I'm glad she has been charged, but felony DUI involving death is not enough. Vehicular homicide would be more appropriate.

Getting behind the wheel after drinking is an intentional act, and should be dealt with accordingly.

July 24, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ssluce (anonymous) says...

I AM SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF OUR LOSS.THE ROAD WILL MISS HIM. SUKI

July 24, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NativeSon (anonymous) says...

My sympathy to those left to bear the brunt of this mans decision to die - no helmet = suicidal ideations even if subconscious. He may not have said as much but his actions speak louder than words.

Any motercyclist not wearing a helmet should be declared mentally impaired and taken off the road, permanently!

July 24, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

dms1963 (anonymous) says...

I've read all of the posts here and I also wish to send my condolences to the family of the motorcycle driver. I'm 45 and just a tad younger than the man that was killed. Since gas prices have risen, I am braving the I26 traffic from Summerville to Charleston and back for economic reasons, not for thrills. Disregarding the woman who caused the early demise of this man, it's a wide-spread problem that drivers do not seem to mentally recognize a motorcycle. I have learned to become INVISIBLE, treating each car that could potentially collide with me as not seeing me. To the person that says "get your thrills some other way", yes, riding a motorcycle is as close to "flying" on the ground as you can get. Having piloted aircraft, it is something that I enjoy doing, but not during rush hour traffic. Having a 2001 Dodge Ram 5.9 Liter V8 (gas was $1.39 when I bought it) and spending nearly $400 per month just to get to and from my place of employment, the motorcycle was paid for, insured, registered, I'm licensed, so why not commute via 2 wheels? You "should" expect equal treatment on the road as far as rules are concerned, but motorcycles do not get many driver's notice.
Drivers who have never driven a motorcycle: You are coming down the road and have a green light. A driver who is about to make a right on red looks right at you - they pull out as if you are invisible... I want to ask all motorists out there this question - How would you react if someone did this as you were driving your car in the same situation? Besides your basic crash avoidance maneuvers which require skill on a motorcycle, would you honk your horn? Motorcycle horns are a joke. Flash your lights? Why bother - on a motorcycle, your lights are always on. Do your best and flip them the bird as soon as you are regaining your composure and get next to them?
Helmet - I feel that it should be left up to the individual to decide if he or she wants to wear one. After all, this is a perfect case that a car driver was impaired and caused a fatality. No one expects to encounter that in normal, every day driving, whether it be a car or a motorcycle. This woman could have just as easily pulled out in front of a car, sent the car into the oncoming lane or into a tree, causing a fatality.
If there can be any good from this tragedy or the posting I'm doing here, it is to ask all drivers to be more aware of a single headlight coming towards you, or to look more than once before you change lanes and check for that possible motorcycle. So many of you just QUICKLY glance in your side-view mirror and never check your blind spot before changing lanes - and a signal would be nice as well so that I can back off a bit in speed, knowing that you haven't taken the time to see me next to you.
Car drivers: Be aware of motorcycles. More and more will be interacting with you as economic factors worsen.

July 24, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

guerryj (anonymous) says...

During one of the most painful days I've my life, I heard from my siblings about the messages posted here. Todd is survived by four brothers, two sisters and two devastated parents. We are all grieving deeply, and are very thankful for the kind words posted by most of you. Sadly, my grief is only amplified by the insensitive comments made by a few. In response to the comment by SmarterThanYou, it must be sad to live with self esteem that is so fragile you can only feel better about yourself with self appointed delusions of brilliance. I can assure you that Todd was highly intelligent, as are all of my sibs. In response to NativeSon, Todd did not make a decision to die. Todd loved life. He loved riding, and the law permitted him to ride without a helmet. He knew the danger, and accepted the risk. Your assertion that Todd was suicidal implies that anyone who undertakes activity with the potential for fatal injury is thus suicidal. If we follow your flawed logic to it's absurd conclusion, we could also assume that the simple act of exercising one's right to free speech is suicidal when that speech has the potential to anger four grieving brothers, resulting in your fatal injury. Keep your insincere sympathy to yourself and consider your words more carefully. Perhaps your mental impairment deserves a helmet!

July 24, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

peteamy (anonymous) says...

I met Todd 18 years ago and since shared many hours of riding together. His 1957 Sportster was a true classic, he was too. Always with a smile, he lived life to the fullest. We love you brother and will ride with you in our hearts forever.

July 25, 2008 at 12:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SCGirl0901 (anonymous) says...

According to the P&C (I know it's not always gospel) the driver of the car had her first drink that day when she drank the rest of a beer, left over from the night before, at 6:30 am.. Are you kidding me??? This is not a social drinker. The unfortunate part is that her first time getting caught was at the ultimate expense of someone else.

I drive a full size truck (but love bikes) and I make a conscious effort to put as much distance as possible between myself and motorcycles. Not because of my fear of hitting them - I'm afraid of someone else not paying attention and the bike ending up under me!

I don't see how there are some out there that feel as though a motorcycle driver is more "deserving" of death than someone in a car. And I truly don't get the heartless, insensitive things that some people can post on here. There are people that have called this victim names and he is dead because of the careless ways of someone else.

You should be ashamed of yourselves.. Have you ever heard of Kharma?? It can be a B****!!

Think I'll go back to reading the paper hard copy (and not be tempted to read these comment boards) so I can regain some of my faith in humanity.

July 25, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )