Ben Roethlesberger In Motorcycle Accident

[RadioNate]

Actually, I think this practice originated more as a courtesy...let the person trying to cut over a chance to turn (sort of akin to holding a door open for the person behind you). Key component is the opposing driver waving you on...pointing & shooting is condsidered bad form & dangerous.

Not sure how "old" you are but, I've never heard of any area giving the right of way to elderly drivers. BTW, I don't consider 62 "old" either. Based on insurance statistics, elderly (not ancient) drivers have less accidents than the young do.

I was referring to this

The tradition is not only tolerated in the Pittsburgh area but is actually expected by longer-term residents, despite the authorities' attempts to discourage it. Few other areas of the country have this tradition.

Since she was an older person, and yes I think 62 is older (no one said elderly) if the "Pittsburgh Left" is true she may have been expecting the right of way. I'm not at all saying she was correct, it was just an explanation people on another board were throwing around.

It has nothing to do with giving the elderly the right of way. It was talking about long time residents expecting this courtesy and just assuming that it'll be given.

According to HayGan there isn't such a thing.
Like I said before I've never even been to Pittsburgh so I certainly have no clue as to what their driving pratices are.

 

[N.Bailey]

The phrase, "Serious, but Stable" has me very concerned. I'd not read where they downgraded him for the "Serious" condition yet and I'm really worried about him.

I too think they're downplaying this.

 

[grimley1968]

The phrase, "Serious, but Stable" has me very concerned. I'd not read where they downgraded him for the "Serious" condition yet and I'm really worried about him.

I too think they're downplaying this.

The media has listed his condition as "serious but stable" since he was brought to the hospital yesterday. I don't think he's ever been downgraded in his condition.

I did read a bit ago that the surgery he had was considered successful, whatever that means.

 

[poohandwendy]

LOL, born and raised in Pittsburgh and you never, ever assume that oncoming traffic will extend you the right of way to turn left without some sort of signal (like Haygan mentioned, blinking headlights or wave).

Now, what they may be referring to is the fact that many, many people WILL wave/blink you on...but it is never automatically assumed.

I have to say, if there is anything that is a more practiced 'courtesy' is that you generally yield to a motorcycle driver. Even if you have the right of way, you just generally use more caution when there is a motorcycle around. IOW, you give motorcycle drivers a wide berth. Just a safety thing. (I know that doesn't apply here because Ben had the green light/right of way) But if anything, noone I know would purposely take the chance of cutting in front of a motorcycle. (by assuming the right of way out of courtesy or otherwise)

I think the most likely scenario here is that she either did not see him or totally misjudged how much time she had to make the turn. I really feel for her though and I am glad she is ok. One of my fears (as a driver) hitting a pedestrian or a motorcycle driver.

Glad to hear Bens injuries are not as serious as they could have been.

 

[chesirechik]

I really am shocked that two other Pittsburgher's are disputing the Pittsburgh Left! I grew up here and still live here and see this everyday! Sorry, I think that Wiki article is totally true. There was even a big story about it in the PG a few years ago. That intersection has a left turn yield on green from the position of the women driving the car.

I really hope the fans don't get out of control and destroy this women's life or her property. I couldn't believe that there was a picture of her in the newspaper this morning after everything that happened to that guy with the baseball (in Chicago?).

 

[DwarfMaster]

If I may just comment on the Pittsburgh Left.....

While I do see this on a daily basis....cars stopping to allow others to make the left....I only ever see this on the small slow-moving 2 lane city streets.

We aren't talking about a 2 lane city street here......this is a main artery through downtown isn't it?

 

[poohandwendy]

I really am shocked that two other Pittsburgher's are disputing the Pittsburgh Left! I grew up here and still live here and see this everyday! Sorry, I think that Wiki article is totally true. There was even a big story about it in the PG a few years ago. That intersection has a left turn yield on green from the position of the women driving the car.

I really hope the fans don't get out of control and destroy this women's life or her property. I couldn't believe that there was a picture of her in the newspaper this morning after everything that happened to that guy with the baseball (in Chicago?).

LOL, Pittsburghers in disagreement...total shocker. I see people take the left all of the time too...but only if they have lots of room or if they are signalled on. But, when your green arrow ends, you don't just assume that the opposing traffic is going to let you go.

Then again, everyone knows that there is a time delay after your green arrow and the opposing traffics green light. Maybe she overestimatyed how much time she had? I dunno.

I agree, I hope people leave her alone. It was an accident and could happen to anyone.

 

[chesirechik]

No, it isn't a little two way street, but it is a (one of Pittsburgh's many) confusing sort of intersections. I can completely see the "pittsburgh left" happening there, especially if she was the first car when the light changed.

I was more commenting on the fact that two other Pittsburgher's didn't even know what it was or didn't seem to think it happened. I've been honked at and given the finger before for NOT letting someone make the Pittsburgh Left.

 

[poohandwendy]

Btw, I am not saying there is no such thing as the Pittsbugh Left, I will often let the 'left turner' go. Only that it isn't automatically assumed (you make sure the other driver is allowing you to go).

 

[keishashadow]

I really am shocked that two other Pittsburgher's are disputing the Pittsburgh Left! I grew up here and still live here and see this everyday! Sorry, I think that Wiki article is totally true. There was even a big story about it in the PG a few years ago. That intersection has a left turn yield on green from the position of the women driving the car.

I really hope the fans don't get out of control and destroy this women's life or her property. I couldn't believe that there was a picture of her in the newspaper this morning after everything that happened to that guy with the baseball (in Chicago?).

Agree 100%-the fans are fervent & big ben is revered in Steeler country. I'd high-tail it back to home in Maine if I were the driver of the car (whether she was @ fault or not) before some wack-job pays her a visit. Unfortunately, the local media was discussing her vehicle down to the license plate & the accompanying Monroeville dealer plate holder. Assume she was the distraught "older" individual talking to the police that was shown repeatedly.

Can you imagine the insurance battle on this one? Especially, if she is deemed responsible & they go for loss of future earnings - ouch. The sharks (lawyers) are probably already circling.

Guess we'll all just have to wait for the official "press announcements" for details.

Safe to say we're all hoping for a positive outcome for Ben, both in his football career & his life's work.

 

[chesirechik]

LOL, Pittsburghers in disagreement...total shocker. I see people take the left all of the time too...but only if they have lots of room or if they are signalled on. But, when your green arrow ends, you don't just assume that the opposing traffic is going to let you go.

Then again, everyone knows that there is a time delay after your green arrow and the opposing traffics green light. Maybe she overestimatyed how much time she had? I dunno.

I agree, I hope people leave her alone. It was an accident and could happen to anyone.

Poohandwendy, I was listening to one of the sports talk shows yesterday and they had three yinzers on there yelling at each other over "Ben". This city is crazy!

I didn't think about the time delay thing until you mentioned it.....always a possibility of that also.

 

[poohandwendy]

No, it isn't a little two way street, but it is a (one of Pittsburgh's many) confusing sort of intersections. I can completely see the "pittsburgh left" happening there, especially if she was the first car when the light changed.

I was more commenting on the fact that two other Pittsburgher's didn't even know what it was or didn't seem to think it happened. I've been honked at and given the finger before for NOT letting someone make the Pittsburgh Left.

I see more of the oppposite. People honking if someone cuts in front of them without being signalled through.

 

[poohandwendy]

Poohandwendy, I was listening to one of the sports talk shows yesterday and they had three yinzers on there yelling at each other over "Ben". This city is crazy!

I didn't think about the time delay thing until you mentioned it.....always a possibility of that also.

LOl, yes....this city is absolutely, certifiably crazy. It's almost embarrassing to listen to the radio right now.

 

[poohandwendy]

Agree 100%-the fans are fervent & big ben is revered in Steeler country. I'd high-tail it back to home in Maine if I were the driver of the car (whether she was @ fault or not) before some wack-job pays her a visit. Unfortunately, the local media was discussing her vehicle down to the license plate & the accompanying Monroeville dealer plate holder. Assume she was the distraught "older" individual talking to the police that was shown repeatedly.

Can you imagine the insurance battle on this one? Especially, if she is deemed responsible & they go for loss of future earnings - ouch. The sharks (lawyers) are probably already circling.

Guess we'll all just have to wait for the official "press announcements" for details.

Safe to say we're all hoping for a positive outcome for Ben, both in his football career & his life's work.

I am holding out hope that Ben, being the nice guy he seems to be, will cut her a break and publicly state that he has no bad feelings towards her and that people should leave her alone.

Of course, if she is deemed responsible for the accident...her insurance should pay for the damages. But, she certainly should not be hung in the public square for this. It was an accident. She is probably totally mortified. Being at fault in an accident is bad enough...but for the entire city to be talking about your mistake..man, that is a shame.

 

[HayGan]

Btw, I am not saying there is no such thing as the Pittsbugh Left, I will often let the 'left turner' go. Only that it isn't automatically assumed (you make sure the other driver is allowing you to go).

ITA! I'm not saying it doesn't happen as a courtsey but I have never heard of an "official" term for it. Plus, no one that I know of assumes that the other driver will let them go. Now we do have those people who automatically assume that they should go first and step down on the gas I'll sometimes let someone go but only if there are not edging up to try and run in front of me. If I see that car creepin' there is no way you are making that left, buddy!

Doesn't change the fact that she did not have the right of way and was at fault for the accident (so I have been told.)

BTW, she wasn't the first car thru the light. One of the eyewitnesses had gone through the light before her and knew it was changing.

PAW, I also hope that no one will hold it against her (destroy her property, threaten her, etc.) but she should certainly be held accountable for her actions. She very well may have ended a very lucrative NFL playing career. However, that is for others to decide (not the court of public opinion!)

 

[georgina]

I really am shocked that two other Pittsburgher's are disputing the Pittsburgh Left! I grew up here and still live here and see this everyday! Sorry, I think that Wiki article is totally true. There was even a big story about it in the PG a few years ago. That intersection has a left turn yield on green from the position of the women driving the car.
.

I know what you mean. I have a DD just learning to drive, and have been warning her repeatedly to watch for people turning left in front of her. Around here it is even worse - they assume if you are turning left onto a street they are turning left out of, that you will let them go first! If I am stopped in traffic, I have no problem letting someone out from a side street, but there are those who do not follow the right of way rules and yell at me for doing what I am supposed to.

 

[dturner]

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[wvrevy]

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[momof2inPA]

When my dh started working in Pittsburgh, the natives in his office told him the "Pittsburgh left" was not just courtesy but actual law (I know it isn't). I guess no one told Ben.

Funny ebay auction.

 

[Miss Park Avenue]

Here's hoping Ben has a full recovery and the poor woman that hit him will be left alone. I would feel awful if I hit anyone, but then to have it plastered on the news like it is here would be rough. She must be going through a tough time.

I live about 45 minutes from Pittsburgh, and drive to Robinson Township (a Pittburgh suburb) several times a week. And in Robinson there is an intersection (the one in front of Giant Eagle, for those familiar with the area) where people push through the light all the time. I'll see my little arrow turn green and still have to wait for about five or six cars to run through before I can start my turn! Since I used this intersection many times when I worked out there, I have to tell you, it was just expected that people will run the light after the light has turned red. And a motercycle is so hard to see. I can see how this accident happened easily.

If it happened this way, the woman is the one at fault and will have to come to terms with what happened, but Ben is paying the bigger price because he didn't wear a helmit. That's why I can't understand why some won't wear a helmit. You could be the safest motorcycle driver out there, but you can't control the actions of others. I cringe when I'm out on the highway and am near a motorcyclist without a helmit.

I never heard of the term "Pittsburgh left." I've let people turn left if I saw they were holding up traffic behind them. And people have let me turn. But there was always some waving or signaling going on. It's never assumed. At least not by me. Could explain why I've had people turn right in front of though