In 2007 the police introduced a new kind of road spike that, according to the NZ Herald,"....can penetrate all tyre types and are designed to prevent blowouts by allowing for the slow release of air - allowing drivers to come to a safe and controlled stop."
It's ironic that as I read that article a headline is moving across the top of the page informing that three lives were lost in a car fire resulting from a crash into trees after police lay road spikes to stop a speeding vehicle in Christchurch last night.
There is a sound argument to be made for protecting lives that speeding vehicles may endanger. But what about the lives of the passengers in these vehicles? And indeed the life of the driver, foolish in the extreme but young and impetuous. In other scenarios a strong case is made to get these young people safely through to adulthood because their brains don't mature until mid twenties. Are road spikes a legitimate part of that endeavour?
Questions with no satisfactory answers I am afraid.
And pity the poor officer who made the decision to lay the spikes. He has a life sentence of anguish to live with.
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https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/110082275/motorcyclist-hit-by-police-officer-doing-uturn-calls-for-change
My friend, bent and broken and lying in the long grass on the side of the road, was not impressed when the officer asked "Where did you come from?"
While not denying the serious nature of the accident, it reinforces to me the dangers of riding black bikes and wearing black leathers. (Alpha male attire)
While I may look like a hundreds and thousands sandwich as I ride my bike, people do tend to give me a wide berth.
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