State Trooper Hits Couple on Motorcycle

On August 17th 2013, Ohio State Trooper Jacob Daymon rear-ended Corey and Amy Waldman while they were riding their motorcycle.  Apparently, Trooper Daymon was traveling 81mph in a 65mph zone when he crashed into the Harley.  I was unable to find many details about the accident but from watching the video he was clearly in the wrong.  Fortunately, other than some minor injuries and lots of road rash Corey and Amy Waldman are OK.  Trooper Jacob Daymon received a $150 fine and a six month suspension of driving privileges for his negligence.  

I will not pretend that a short video on YouTube provides all the necessary information to completely understand a situation.  We do not know about any distracting factors, lighting conditions, etc.  However, from what we can see the State Trooper is completely at fault. 

 Any operator of a motor vehicle, whether a police officer or not, is required to be in control of that vehicle at all times.  Trooper Daymon is clearly not.  He is speeding and he is either distracted or traveling faster than road conditions allow for him to react appropriately.  Either way he is not in control of his vehicle.  

I understand that there are a lot of distractions inside of a police vehicle.  However, those distractions are no more of an excuse for an officer than a cell or radio would be for a normal person.  

I also understand that accidents will happen which is why they are called "accidents," not "on purposes."  However, the most upsetting act of the video to me is Trooper Daymon's reaction after the accident.  He seems more concerned with the damage to his cruiser than with Corey and Amy.  His job is to protect and serve.  His job is not to worry about his car, Corey and Amy's tax dollars will pay that that.  

As I said earlier, the operator or vehicle is responsible for that vehicle and the consequences that occur while they are in control of the vehicle.  This holds true for a lay person but even more so for an officer of the law.  Just as doctors and lawyers are held to higher standards in their respective fields, a police officer should be held to a higher standard in his.  This is not the case in this situation.  In fact, it would be hard to imagine a normal citizen getting away with a $150 dollar fine for recklessly endangering the lives of others.

I am glad for all parties that no one was killed.