In Memoriam: Darrel and Sheryl McDaniel
Posted by: EvanMay 30 2006, 9:06 am
Darrel McDaniel, 65, and Sheryl McDaniel, 61 were killed on Monday south of Forest Grove. They were biking on the shoulder of Highway 47, and were struck by a woman driver who was trying to pass them. The crash happened at 11:45 am. Both cyclists were wearing helmets; alcohol did not appear to be a factor. The Washington County Sheriff's office is not currently planning on filing felony charges. The BTA has a message into the traffic investigations department there and will continue to follow the case.
It's the sort of story that made me nervous riding to work. Every car was suddenly more of a threat, more of a presence behind me. It made me wonder which person was going to be less aware and run me off the road.
Of course, when the TV station came to interview me last night, I reminded them that bicycling is getting safer and safer as more people ride, and that no one should be afraid to ride a bike. They wanted to ask what cyclists should do to be safer, and whether cyclists should be riding on rural roads.
I assured them that the driver appeared to be at fault, and that drivers need to make sure they're not distracted and that they're not speeding, so that they don't kill other people.
A tough day. Our thoughts are with the McDaniel family.
I hope the BTA will help the McDaniel family in all ways possible, including getting criminal justice for the driver (if she crossed into the shoulder). I am a cyclist I see more people driving with cell phones and other distractions that make me cringe at times. We need to make people liable for their actions. Driving a car is a privledge and should taken as such. I also drive and am aware that you have to have patience with cyclists. But we all pay into the road systems. Don't let the Washington County Sheriff Department let this slide. It is very important that all drivers be aware that they are liable for their actions. Thank You.
May 30 2006 at 10:30 amUntil we have the facts of the investigation, we won't know why the Sherriff's Dept is not seeking charges. Please help us by following up with them to determine the outcome of the investigation so that we can understand: 1) what happened; 2) why that does or does not constitute a violation, and possibly 3) what steps riders and motorists can take to avoid this chilling incident.
Here's the rub: two people died, lives have been shattered, and cyclists around the county and state just got a cold chill up their spines. To boot, it appears on the surface that someone is "getting away with murder", but without facts, we'll never know. There needs to be a more fulfilling conclusion to this horrible tragedy.
May 30 2006 at 12:09 pmNo offense, but the Oregonian's initial news report on the accident ended on a bitter note. Here is the final paragraph of what appeared on Oregonlive.com yesterday:
"The cyclists were riding black Trek bikes. They were wearing black bicycle shorts. The woman was wearing a green jersey. The man was wearing a blue jersey. Both wore helmets, Thompson said."
This final paragraph implies that dark colors contributed to the death of two cyclists who were killed at 11:45 a.m. –a seemingly well-lit time of day. Please let me know if you agree that this final statement appears a bit inflammatory. While we all should firmly understand the necessity to wear bright clothing (it is in our best interest), this type of statement is akin to people stating that young women who wear 'provocative' clothing are 'asking to be assaulted.'
May 30 2006 at 12:25 pmHere's the email I sent to Sheriff Rob Gordon of the Washington County Sheriff's Department. His address is:
sheriff co washington (dot) or /dot/ us
In retrospect, I'd change the wording here and there, but here it is:
Dear Sheriff Gordon,
I was appalled to read in the Oregonian today that the Washington County Sheriff's Department has not decided to file felony charges against the driver who killed Darrel & Sheryl McDaniel. Drivers are getting the message that the lives of cyclists are worthless. It seems clear enough to me that hitting a cyclist is against the law - is it not clear to the Department? These people were even riding on the shoulder. The driver must have been extremely negligent to hit and kill not just one but two people in broad daylight. This type of situation really weakens my faith in our legal system and threatens my safety and that of our fellow citizens. For the good of everyone on the road, I urge you to see that felony charges are brought against the driver.
Sincerely,
Laura Shaffer
May 30 2006 at 1:13 pmI always had this fear of being struck from behind. When riding and hearing a car approach, I scan the road for debries and holes, and then turn my head and keep my eye on the passing car as it passes. I dont know how people can trust these cars from behind.
May 30 2006 at 1:52 pmI tried a couple of mirrors (helmut/handlebar) and they dont seem to work any better then for me to turn my head, since I cannot watch the car from behind and look ahead continously at the same time. I tried an experiment and I would need a mirror at least a 1.5 ft forward and not more the 6 inches from my forward line of sight for me to see both at the same time, then I feel secure to dodge a car trying to hit me.
I know in washington state, a bicyle can travel in the travel lane, not the shoulder; and the car has to pass by 3 foot margin.
I think a camera should be placed on the bike facing backwards and this should be used to catch unruly motorists.
As far as this fatality goes, I think there should be a bigger explanation on what made the driver distracted, and there should be consequences, or this would send a message to motorists that they dont have to be careful since there is no incentive.
Thanks Sid
I was outraged to hear the ending comments by the Sherif's dept on the fast traffic situation on Hwy 47. He stated that the MPH was 55 and infured that folks go pretty fast out here and its OK. The implication was that cyclist should not be travelling out on these roads! I find it appauling that they have not pressed charges either. This is typical of rural Washington County mentallity and II encourage the BTA to follow up on this, please. As for me, I will keep riding on Hwy 47. I pay my taxes for that road and perhaps cars should learn how to drive safely with cyclist, instead of them telling us to stay off unsafe roads!
May 30 2006 at 3:34 pmI was outraged to hear the ending comments by the Sherif's dept on the fast traffic situation on Hwy 47. He stated that the MPH was 55 and infured that folks go pretty fast out here and its OK. The implication was that cyclist should not be travelling out on these roads! I find it appauling that they have not pressed charges either. This is typical of rural Washington County mentallity and II encourage the BTA to follow up on this, please. As for me, I will keep riding on Hwy 47. I pay my taxes for that road. Perhaps cars should learn how to drive safely with cyclist, instead of them telling us to stay off unsafe roads!
May 30 2006 at 3:35 pmI first heard of this tragedy just a few minutes after arriving back home after a 4 day bike tour in the Gorge. All in our group returned home safe, despite being passed innumerable times by speeding drivers with cell phones glued to their heads. I am outraged to hear that the driver in this incident may not face charges. BTA, please, please, please follow up on this and see that the driver who killed the McDaniels is brought to justice.
May 30 2006 at 5:50 pmReading KATU's news report online, there seems to be a possibility that the driver involved in this accident may only be punished by a $242 fine, should it be determined that nothing "criminally negligent" was committed during this accident. This amounts to $121 for each life lost. That is outrageous! I wonder how the Washington County Sheriff's Office is going to be able to make that determination. According to KATU's news report, the driver's name is Patricia Suhrbier. Would she be "criminally negligent" if she was searching for a Ding Dong underneath the dash? Would she be "criminally negligent" if she dozed off at the wheel? Would she be "criminally negligent" if she lost track of her steering while talking on the cell phone? How will you be able to make this determination when truly the only witness to what really happened is the driver herself? The other two who may be able to provide some clue as to what happened are dead. While I do understand that no criminal charge will come close in undoing what has happened, it will at least deter drivers from running down cyclists. A $242 fine is a laugh in your face of what your life is worth. What can the bicycling community do to make sure that drivers like these are brought to justice?
May 30 2006 at 6:38 pmI agree with the comments posted on color. This is not about color; otherwise all black vehicles would be banned. I also find the comments on alcohol offensive, as if somehow it makes this tragedy more acceptable. Even the comments on helmets are useless, as if they are trying to make the bicycle riders culpable. Not knowing the facts, I would have to vote on the side of unintentional distraction. There are many reports on a multitude of driver distractions. The question is which one. Cell phones are at the top of my list. In today’s world they are more likely the cause and are reported just as invasive as alcohol in our ability to drive with attention. The distraction list is endless: eating, adjusting the radio, reading, smoking, watching a video, drinking, putting on makeup, and now even watching our gps map displays. While we will never be able to control all these, the State of Oregon state must find a way to minimize these distractions as acceptable when driving. I doubt if any of them will ever go the legislative route of seatbelts and child restraints. What I fear most is that if the distraction is ever posted, it too will fall into the great abyss of just another distracted driver. Until the message gets out that driving is a full time responsibility requiring ever sense we have 24×7; disasters on our highway will continue at an unacceptable pace.
May 31 2006 at 3:18 amTo be fair, the initial reports from the Oregonian and other sources noted what the riders were wearing in an attempt to locate next of kin. The riders were not wearing ID, which delayed identifying the victims. Once their identities were known, there were no further references to clothing or color, except for a re-mention that the riders were wearing helmets.
May 31 2006 at 11:16 amThanks for the update on color references in the initial Oregonlive.com report, Matt G –that now makes good sense.
May 31 2006 at 12:35 pmDarrel and Sheryl were wonderful people. They both had there lives taken away from them in an instant. they went water skiing almost everyday when the wheather permitted. they loved to ride there bikes. they did so much. my heart goes out to there familes. they will be missed.
May 31 2006 at 3:47 pmPlease note: I have removed an comment that suggested violence was appropriate towards cyclists. This is not acceptable on the BTA website. Please keep comments respectful.
May 31 2006 at 4:35 pmI have known the McDaniel family for some 30 years. My father worked with Darrel and My mom and I worked with Sheryl. At the time of her death my daughter worked with Sheryl. Our families camped together, water skiied and fished together.
May 31 2006 at 7:04 pmSheryl was looking forward to retirement and now they are gone. Their legacy is the fine children and grandchildren they leave behind. It is also remembering the outstanding people that they were. My thoughts and prayers are with Darren, Mindy and their families. You both will be missed greatly.
People should be liable for there actions, Darrel was my mom's youngest brother. Darrel and Sheryl were the kindest most loving people I have ever met and there lives were snuffed from everyone at the young age of 61 and 65. When someone accidentally pulls the trigger on a gun and kills someone they get punished for there crimes and this tradgedy should not be treated any differently. How can someone just plow over two bikers and not be held responsible for there actions? Doesnt the law require to slow down when we see someone on the road? My deepest sympathy and regards go out to daughter Mindy, John and their son Darren McDaniel they will be dearly missed, and to the rest of the family and friends that knew and loved them so much my thoughts and prayers will be for you all. God bless.
May 31 2006 at 9:07 pmDarrel & Sheryl were my brother & sister in-law…they took excellent care of themselves by swimming laps; biking; hiking; & eating properly so that they could live long & healthy lives for their children & grandchildren. But one careless drive took that long healthy life away from them, their family & friends. It is quite evident that the driver was not paying attention to her driving because it would be impossible not to see two people just ahead of you in broad daylight unless you were looking down, trying to dial a cell phone or some other distraction. This is total negligience on the part of the driver as they were riding in their bike lane with all of the proper equipment which they had done many times before. Our family has been robbed of our brother/sister, father/mother; grandparents, friend, etc. I pray that justice is served.
May 31 2006 at 9:22 pmI have known the McDaniel family for as long as I can remember. I haven't seen too much of them over the past 20 years, but I have some wonderful memories of weekends on the river. We spent a lot of time camping, waterskiing and playing in the water. Their lifes have been taken away, but the memories will last forever. My heart goes out to Darren and Mindy. I can only hope that knowing how much their parents meant to so many people, and the loving memorites they have of their parents will help them through this devastating tragedy.
Jun 01 2006 at 9:50 amI shared the initial shock all of the earlier commenters had on hearing this sad news. With a few days of reflection, I think I understand it's common practice in a serious case like this to wait until all of the evidence has been collected before determining if the state can prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the driver was culpable. If the investigators conclude that the McDaniels were off of the roadway, I would hope that would be sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges.
I am still stinging from the unthinking comment of the deputy that implies that the cyclists had it coming, as it were, for being on the roadway. At what point do we make it clear that just because your car _can_ travel a mile a minute doesn't mean that it is _ever_ safe to do so? Humph.
Jun 01 2006 at 4:18 pmI believe the usual terminology is that the 'driver was released pending investigation' which might have been less inflammatory than the wording used by law enforcement in the news interview.
Personally, I think it's time for a few thousand bikes to take a ride on Hwy 47 to help raise awareness.
Jun 01 2006 at 7:41 pmI train year round on the same roads that the McDaniels
used, crossing paths with them pretty much every week, whatever the weather conditions. While passing they'd always offer up a hello or a wave along with a ready smile. True,
friendly cyclists taking genuine enjoyment from being out riding.
I didn't know them beyond that, but will really miss seeing
Jun 01 2006 at 10:35 pmthem out on the roads. Their family and friends have my deepest sympathies.
I am shocked and saddened and (frankly) scared that if this passes without some form of legal action against the motorist that it makes a statement, intentional or otherwise, that cyclists are the value equivalent of 'possums crossing the road. There are many motorists out there who hate us, as evidenced by how they gun their engines when passing too close and then dive in front of us when we're riding safely and legally, blast us with horns and flip us off. And "Yes", there are some stupid bicyclists out there who do some irresponsible and rude things to drivers that can/do prompt such actions, but this particular case isn't about those people - it's about responsible cyclists who were doing nothing more than all the right things, from the various write-ups I've seen. For mouthing my opinion I had one hot-headed young cyclist say he wouldn't want me on his jury because this could have been an accident with no fault, but I disagree - there IS fault if the car indeed left its lane confines: two people died because of it and the person who took their lives needs to be held accountable.
I'm not advocating an eye-for-an-eye mentality - but the driver certainly deserves more than a traffic ticket! If she gets off on this altogether or is only fined that ridiculous $242 for two human lives then I fear open season (on us) is around the corner with the serious jerks who'd like to run us off the road anyway. They would just be able to claim "Oh, my coffee spilled on the console and I had to mop it up…so sorry…I guess I just didn't see them" and there goes another life - like some video game *POW!* *Splat!*…with no consequences. I don't want anyone hurt - I just want accountability and some REAL consequences.
So, so sad and frightening
Jun 02 2006 at 9:50 pmRegarding the comments in post 3 above about the colors they were wearing: I was interested to know what colors they wore. I try to wear yellow or white - something that will stand out against the black pavement and the green vegetation. I wonder if bright colors might have made a difference. I think it was cloudy on that day but I'm not sure. This could be an important piece of data for cyclists. No matter what color you are wearing drivers should be paying enough attention to see you, but in the real world car drivers need all the help they can get. A cyclist isn't very big and a car can cover a lot of ground in a hurry so the driver needs some help from us. I'll be using my flashing lights in the daytime now too and in fact I'll have two of them on the back as soon as I go down and buy another one. I already have lots of those scotchbrite stickers all over my bike. Visibility is a very important safety measure for cyclists.
I also want to know how long of a straight stretch of roadway there was before the point where the cyclists were hit. Do we know that piece of data? If it was fairly long - say over 1/4 mile then there is no way for it to be anything except negligence; unless it was intentional! At 60 mph it would take 15 seconds to cover a 1/4 mile. Anyone not looking at the road for that long is negligent. Does anyone know the exact mile mark where the "accident" occurred? Noone looks at the road 100% of the time, but you've GOTTA GLANCE at it every few seconds at least!
Have the cell phone records of the driver been checked to determine if she was yakking on the phone?
There are a lot of questions that need to be answered by the police/sheriff. Make sure they answer ALL of the questions. We pay their wages - let's see that they earn them.
Jun 03 2006 at 12:33 amIn my post above (#23) I suggested if there was a long straight section of road before the cyclists were hit that the cause had to be either negligence or that it was intentional. There is another possibility: that the cyclists for some reason veered to the left of the white line. That should not be an excuse for hitting them, but is a possible contributing factor. Many times the white line is all there is so there is no choice for cyclists except to ride to the left of the white line. We do have a "right" legally to ride there but it is not recommended if there is space to the right of the white line. What is "legal" and what is safe are not always the same thing.
Jun 03 2006 at 2:19 pmThis was a horrible tradegy. I used to log 3000 miles per year on my bike, mostly on Wash. Co. roads. I'm very familiar with Hwy. 47. Like every other person who read about this, it sickened me. As a friend said, "it just shows how vulnerable we are out there." If you ride a lot, you've had close calls. Two peoples lives were lost and there is no resolve for the family. My wife and I happen to know the lady who struck the McDaniel's. We know their family, and they are great people….great family all the way through. She is a great wife, mother and grandmother, who happen to be on her way home from visiting her daughter and grandkids at the coast. What is hard for all of us, is that we know how much of a tragedy this is. It was awful. What's makes it so tough is that an extremely unfortunate accident happened to good people, both the cyslists (and their family), as well as to the woman (and her family) who struck them. Very bad stuff happens to good people all the time. Ic can happen to anyone. It does not mean, in my opinion, that criminal charges are the only answer. I feel very sorry and bad for everyone involved. Our sympathy goes out to both families.
Jun 04 2006 at 10:21 amIt's time for the cops to come forth with the accident report the woman filed at the scene. They should post a copy of it on the internet for all to read. I want to see what her excuse is.
It is also time for the cops to post the entire body of evidence about this incident on the internet. I want to see what is in it. Let's see the evidence now.
We the people are the owners of that evidence since we pay the cops to collect it. It is our safety they are supposed to be concerned about and we have a right to know the particulars of this case.
Jun 04 2006 at 10:57 pmIn talking to the Sheriff's Department, it's pretty clear that the driver swerved onto the shoulder and hit the cyclists. The Sheriff's Dept. also thinks it's unlikely that criminal charges will be filed, although civil charges could be filed.
I've also hear that the driver, and driver's family, are all having a really hard time with this. While it may be hard to focus on them, this tragedy has hurt many folks.
Finally, the memorial service is today (Monday) at 2pm at Sunset Presbyterian Church, 14986 NW Cornell Road.
A nice piece about the McDaniels appeared in today's Oregonian, scanned in by bikeportland.org.
Jun 05 2006 at 10:36 amI heard the same "everyone is suffering, including that poor, saintly driver" business when my husband was hit four years ago in a similar accident in Illinois (driver drove onto a six-foot wide shoulder), and I must tell you that I'm really sick of it. Fortunately, my husband survived (barely, and with permanent damage).
People are not excused from paying attention because they're "good people" and a "great wife and mother."
And no, it can't happen to "anyone." Only people who are not watching what's going on, and reducing speed when conditions warrant (e.g., they can't see 50 feet in front of them).
There's a big difference between a truly unavoidable accident, and an incident that wouldn't have happened, had the driver taken her responsibility more seriously. Like others here, I want to see people held accountable for their negligence. It's far too easy to get and keep a driver's license, and people take it for granted.
The sooner we can let computers take over the driving, the better. It'll be a relatively small step from GPS and collision-avoidance systems being developed now.
Jun 05 2006 at 10:49 amsaint or sinner
Jun 05 2006 at 11:15 amshe killed two people
a car is a deadly weapon
constant vigilance is Required of all
bikes & cars
she needs to be held accountable for her lapse
driving is a privilege not a right
involuntary manslaugter & jail time (house arrest seems in order)
Huh, maybe her license should be revoked for a couple of years, forcing her to ride a bicycle in the meantime.
Jun 05 2006 at 11:16 amI agree with Cheryl above. A memorial ride down that route would be nice.
Jun 05 2006 at 9:45 pmWe need a law like in Denmark-basically any vehicle which hits a cyclist is at fault and will be penalized. 42 nations ban cellphone driving around the world-that would also be a help.
Jun 07 2006 at 11:48 amI am the son of Sheryl and Darrel. I want to clarify no official reports have been released yet. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this trying time. Allot of questions have been asked. I can tell you at this time my parents were wearing bright green riding jerseys. I know this because they were returned to me covered in blood. My father had a red helmet on, my mother a black one. They were killed on a very long straight section of highway. They were also hit around 11:45 in the morning. Visibility should not of been an issue. At this time I want to thank everyone for your thoughts and I will try and keep the biking community posted when the investigation comes to a close. Thankyou.
Jun 13 2006 at 3:45 pmWe are still thinking of the McDaniel's is there any news of the investigation?
Jul 03 2006 at 12:06 pmI drive Hwy 47 four days a week, from Portland to Gaston and I'm wondering like Ken Sullivan (above comment #34), if there is any news on the investigation.
Jul 06 2006 at 7:46 amI'm so dissapointed by this decision from the Sheriff and Washington County DA. Sad to be reminded that society views my life, just because I'm on a bicycle, as worth little more than an opossum or racoon in the road… I've written the Sheriff and will be spreading the word thru flyers, e-mails, and word of mouth that using cars to kill people is WRONG. As a regular bicycle commuter in Washington County I hope I'm not this person's next innocent victim…
Jul 09 2006 at 5:36 pmRead an update here and post comments.
Jul 10 2006 at 3:44 pmDarrel and sheryl are my uncule and aunt. I am just asking if any body knows her charges. I my self do not believe she shoud be hanged. I feel of cource this was not intentional.
Jul 22 2006 at 8:13 amIt's a tragedy all the way around. I wish I could share a life time of pohtos with you all. I also worked with my uncle darrel for 22 years. I named my baby brother after him, when I was only five. It really hurts still. I feel the most for there kids (great kids) and grand kids.
Miss them always,
Larry Lamb
Well, she got off scott free, & I personally believe it was simply because she & her husband are prominent people of the Hillsboro community…She drove into the bike shoulder & killed two people & doesn't have to pay at all…I don't think she sould have to go to jail or anything, but at least could have been charged & given community service…like going around to schools talking about the dangers of not paying attention to your driving & the consequenses of what can happen, etc…One thing I dp know for sure is that the good Lord knows exactly what happened & she may be able to fool everyone here, but not HIM…thank GOD …Bonnie
Sep 15 2006 at 3:54 pm