Liza Park 1:32 PM (1 hour ago)
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Hi rc... just to let you know... producers and anchors have the authority to change scripts... particularly the opening or introductory line. I did not write the heading the way it ended up. However, it wasn't much different... I originally wrote "They're fast and have an edgy image... but motorcycles can be dangerous." I rarely use the word "very" when writing stories and know that I did not use it in this sentence. Also, I use the word "can" often to err on the side of safety and caution. Anyway, I saw it was changed... but after it aired... so there wasn't much I could do at that point to argue the point. Just thought you would like a clarification.
Liza
We do appreciate the response from Ms. Parks. All to days politicians and media are to busy to respond to the common folk and and unfortunately use their valued time to hype a problem that has "legs" than to spend time and resources to educate the public regarding issues that have a major impact on their lives.
We consider the fact that distracted drivers are as, likely if not more likely to be involved in a fatal accident a more wide spread public threat. This does not discount the fact that racing any vehicle on public highways is dangerous. It is however a matter of degrees, not a matter of attention grabbing headlines. So we try again.
Dear Ms. Park,
My e-mail to you was not to find fault with your wording of the story. It was hoped that the tongue and cheek play on your story using cell phones as an example might illustrate a glaring deficiency in the medias approach to it's responsibility as a "free press".
We in the motorcycle world are used to the reports with pictures and videos of horrific crashes and deaths resulting from motorcycle crashes. We have found that despite our continued protestations the media generally reports on whether or not the rider was wearing a helmet irregardless of cause of death and the helmets role.
We are used to the state telling us that we need to be responsible for the careless driving of others by encouraging us to wear bright reflective fluorescent clown suits to help those who are paying attention see us.
What we are not used to is the media expending the same amount of energies and resources as to the cause of most crashes, i.e. driver distraction, cell phone use (hands free or not), negligence, changing crash dynamics as a result of the increase in SUV's and light trucks on the road and just plain don't give a damn as we watch them run red lights with impunity in downtown Tallahassee. Reporting that, if done well, could lead to the actual saving of lives.
Many of us have begged, cajoled and pleaded with media to "get the real story" with
little more than lip service, if that, in return.
AN example of a very good story would be why does the legislature go all out to address motorcyclists and avoid like the plague driver distraction. Would it have anything to do as one senators aide told me, "wireless industry money is floating all over this capital?"
Another example might be the state required motorcycle training can not be proven to be effective by any independent nationally recognized research study. Which the state readily admits to.
It maybe that Mr. Segura was negligent and reckless and as result of such actions paid the consequences.
On the other hand, all to often it is the motorcyclist who is obeying the law that suffers the consequences of the negligent and reckless action of other vehicles actions.
When is that reported on.
It would seem to this writer that in the interest of journalistic objectivity and integrity that all sides of the issue be addressed. Especially when the results could be an actual impact on the carnage that infests the killing fields Florida refers to as it's highways.
Can you demonstrate how that has, or is being done?
If we can be of help in such an endeavor please do not hesitate to let us know.
As in our way of thinking any piece of journalism that would result in the reduction of loss of life would indeed be news.
As usual this and any response will be posted at http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/
Sincerely
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