Former UCF student found guilty and convicted of DUI manslaughter

A 23-year-old former UCF student was sentenced to 18 months in prison Nov. 20 after killing a 19-year-old UCF student while driving under the influence.

Malcolm barnes pled no contest in an Orange County court for DUI manslaughter charges he faced from an accident in October 2006.

barnes was driving on the wrong side of Alafaya Trail between State Road 50 and University Boulevard near UCF when he hit Andrew Brannon, who was on a motorcycle, head-on, said Cpl. Diane Riberdy of Florida Highway Patrol.

Brannon, despite wearing a helmet, died at the scene, said Riberdy, who was the first deputy to arrive at the scene.

For more information please visit: http://www.centralfloridafuture.com/former-student-found-guilty-1.2099785

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident because a motorist was driving under the influence, please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com/

Erik Buell to leave Buell Motorcycle Company and establish an independant race shop

Harley-Davidson, Inc. announced today that following the company’s recent decision to discontinue the Buell motorcycle product line, Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company, will leave the company to establish Erik Buell Racing, an independent motorcycle race shop.

Erik Buell Racing will specialize in the supply of race-use-only Buell motorcycle parts and race preparation services for engines and motorcycles, and the building and sale of Buell® 1125R-based race-use-only motorcycles under license from Harley-Davidson, as well as providing technical support to racers of Buell motorcycles.

“I’m looking forward to helping Buell racers keep their bikes flying,” said Erik Buell. “We’ve got some exciting race development projects in the works and it will mean a lot to me personally to see Buell racers competing for wins and championships in the 2010 season and beyond.”

“I’m pleased that Harley-Davidson is assisting Erik in establishing this business to continue supporting the racing efforts he has had so much passion for over the years,” said Buell President and COO Jon Flickinger. “Harley-Davidson and the Buell Motorcycle Company will always be proud of their affiliation with Erik, and we wish him well in this new endeavor to support Buell racers.”

Erik Buell Racing will be based in East Troy, Wisconsin and will be staffed by Erik Buell and a veteran team of personnel.

For more information please visit: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1545

A motorcyclist died after colliding with a Lee County school bus in Fort Myers

The Florida Highway Patrol reports that the bus, driven by 68-year-old John Donohue, turned left in front of 57-year-old Robert Cook's bike on Tuesday. The bus hit the 1986 Harley Davidson motorcycle, and Cook died at the scene. Donohue was not injured, and no students were on the bus.

FHP reports that charges are pending in the case.

For more information please visit: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1350927.html

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident because a motorist violated your right of way, please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

Toyota to fix gas pedal on recalled cars due to sudden accelleration issue

Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it would fix the gas pedal on four million vehicles the Japanese auto maker recalled in September over sudden acceleration issues related to floor mats causing the pedal to get stuck.

The remedy, which covers eight models of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, is expected to get under way in early 2010, the National Highway Transportation and Safety Department said.

The auto maker plans to change the shape of the gas pedal, alter the floor pan under the pedal in some cases, and install a brake override system in the affected Toyota Camry and Avalon models and the Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models as an "extra measure of confidence." On Tuesday, Toyota already announced a recall of 110,000 Tundra pickups over a corrosion issue.

The recalls dent Toyota's reputation of leading in safety and come as the company is in the midst of turnaround efforts after posting its first annual net loss in 59 years in the previous fiscal year.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda in October apologized to the owners of the eight Toyota and Lexus models affected by the floor-mat recall. At that time, Mr. Toyoda said the auto maker was working on identifying the cause of the problem.

"The safety of our owners and the public is our utmost concern," Mr. Toyota said in a statement. "Toyota has and will continue to thoroughly investigate and take appropriate measures to address any defect trends that are identified."

Toyota declined to provide an estimate of the recall's cost. "We have not put a pencil to it," Toyota spokesman Irv Miller said on a conference call. "We really don't know what the costs are at this moment."

Mr. Miller added that the auto maker is confident that these measures have addressed the issue. "We believe that pedal entrapment is the major issue," Mr. Miller said referring to questions about the vehicles' electronic control systems as playing a role in the accidents.

Toyota said it would make the brake override system standard equipment in all Toyota and Lexus products starting with January 2010 production of Lexus ES350 and the Camry. It will be incorporated into new production of most models by the end of 2010.

The floor-mat advisory followed a fatal crash in San Diego in September that prompted Toyota to order dealers to inspect cars for mismatched floor mats. The models involved in the recall are: the Camry sedan, the Avalon sedan, the Prius hybrid, the Tacoma small pickup, the Tundra fullsized pickup, the Lexus ES 350, the Lexus IS 250, and the Lexus IS 350, all of varying model years.

For more information please visit: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703499404574557540432697208.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_business

If you've been involved in an automobile accident please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

Palm Harbor Fall Bike Fest and Toys for Tots Ride is Saturday

You don't need to have a motorcycle or a reindeer-powered sleigh to put smiles on the faces of needy kids this year. • A new toy and big heart will do. • On Saturday, the seventh annual Palm Harbor Fall Bike Fest and Toys for Tots Ride will rumble into historic downtown Palm Harbor with an easy riders toy run, motorcycle and car shows, live music, food and festivities.

There is no admission charge for the street party, but festivalgoers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

The celebration, with most activities from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, is presented by Old Palm Harbor Main Street, a nonprofit organization that seeks to preserve and promote the quaint little village.

"Proceeds raise money to maintain our historic district, and the toys will benefit children who may not otherwise have a Christmas," said executive director Robin Husbands-Cauchi.

A new twist this year is tonight's Poker Walk, when even a bad hand can win a prize.

At 6:30 p.m., players will assemble at the law offices of Fran Haasch, at Nebraska and Omaha (County Road 1). They will proceed to five historic district restaurants, where they will draw cards.

The play will end at 9 p.m. at Peggy O'Neill's Irish Pub with gift certificate giveaways and prizes awarded for the best and worst hands.

Each hand is $10, and players can opt for additional cards at $5 apiece. Proceeds benefit Old Palm Harbor Main Street.

On Saturday, bike registration will begin at 9 a.m., with kickstands up at noon. Bikers pay $10 to ride with the procession or $5 with a new toy donation.

For more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/palm-harbor-fall-bike-fest-and-toys-for-tots-ride-is-saturday/1052917

Help sought in what the Florida Highway Patrol call a hit-and-run 'outbreak'

In the final chapter of their lives, John Eaton and Kevin Hill shared something in common.

Both motorcyclists died tragic deaths in separate crashes when, after an initial wreck, a second motorist in each case ran them over and left them to die.

Eaton, 46, of DeLand, and Hill, 47, of Sanford, are two of five people killed in the last month in what Florida Highway Patrol officials called an "outbreak" of fatal hit-and-run crashes this year. There have been 13 fatalities from hit-and-runs in Central Florida this year and troopers have only solved three, FHP Sgt. Kim Montes said at a press conference Thursday.

Three of those fatalities occurred in Volusia County.

Families of the victims gathered at the FHP headquarters in Orlando to support troopers' efforts in asking the public's help to solve these crimes.

"These are people . . . left to die on the side of the roads by cowards," Montes said. "They are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters. They are people with families."

On Wednesday alone, troopers worked 19 nonfatal hit-and-run accidents and these cases show the number of this type of crash is on the rise, Montes said.

Hit-and-run crashes have left mostly pedestrians dead but motorcyclists, bicyclists, vehicle drivers and passengers have also been killed, Montes said.

Drivers that run most likely are under the influence of alcohol and drugs, have suspended driver's licenses or are wanted for other crimes, she said. These are not valid excuses to leave somebody on the side of the road, Montes said.

Jamie McWilliams, whose 20-year-old son was killed by a hit-and-run driver on private property seven years ago, agreed.

"There is no excuse to leave someone out like they were last week's trash," said McWilliams, who lives in the Orlando area.

Montes said someone might have information they may consider unimportant, but it can be the information they need to "complete the puzzle" of evidence to catch criminals.

"For some of these cases we need the public's help so these families can have closure," Montes said.

For more information please visit: http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/EastVolusia/evlHEAD02112009.htm

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident because of a hit-and-run, please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

H-D (Harley-Davidson) Florida Tour - Grab A Passport & Hit The Road!

Harley-Davidson/Buell of Fort Myers and Harley-Davidson of Naples are excited to announce their participation in the Florida Harley-Davidson Dealer’s Association (FHDDA) H-D® Passport Tour. The tour continues from now until February 28, 2010. With nearly every dealer in the state engaged, riders who wish to take the tour get a specially designed H-D® Tour passport, and are invited to visit every location with group rides coordinated to most participating dealerships.

Led by Ron Hall, the first group ride leaving Fort Myers will take place January 9-10, 2010. The group will start with their first stamp at Harley-Davidson/Buell of Fort Myers, then head north to get their passports stamped at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson in Sarasota, Manatee River Harley-Davidson in Bradenton, Harley-Davidson of Brandon, Harley-Davidson of Tampa, both Jim’s Harley-Davidson on the Pass & Jim’s Harley-Davidson in St. Petersburg, and finally, Gulf Coast Harley-Davidson in New Port Richey.

Rooms have been blocked at the Dolphin Resort located at 4900 Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach. Interested participants should call (727) 360-7011 and mention the Harley-Davidson group to reserve rooms at the discount rate of $79 per night.

For more information please visit: http://www.prlog.org/10420697-hd-harleydavidson-florida-tour-grab-passport-hit-the-road.html

Miami-Dade school bus drivers may soon be banned from sending text messages while driving

School Board member Larry Feldman has proposed a new rule that would prohibit bus drivers from using iPhones, Blackberrys and cellphones while on the road -- except in cases of an emergency.

If his proposal passes, new rules would also apply to every district employee driving a district-owned vehicle.

Those employees, too, would be banned from texting while driving. And they would have to use a hands-free device to make a call from the car.

The rules would apply to all employees except school police officers, Feldman said.

``People don't understand how serious of an issue this is,'' he said. ``It's really dangerous. But unless it's in black-and-white, people won't pay attention to it.''

The School Board will take up the proposal at its meeting Tuesday.

Over the past year, texting while driving has become a hot-button issue.

A recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that truck drivers sending text messages from the road were 23 times more likely to crash or nearly crash than drivers who were not distracted.

For more information please visit: http://www.miamiherald.com/1460/story/1336865.html

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident because a motorist was texting while driving, please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

BMW Concept 6 Squeezes An Inline-6 to a Motorcycle

We’ve come to adore BMW’s silky smooth six-cylinder engines in cars. Now, BMW is giving motorcycle riders an opportunity to experience incredibly smooth six-cylinder power as well. BMW’s Concept 6 bike previews the upcoming six-cylinder K-series expansion.

Normally an inline-six creates an extremely wide or long bike, but BMW’s new engine is around 4 inches narrower than all other straight-sixes before it, and barely wider than a conventional four-cylinder. This was accomplished thanks to very, very small cylinder spacing. BMW claims this created a few packaging headaches, which led engineers to position several drive and electrical components behind the crankshaft.

As is typical of BMW’s K-series bikes, the straight-six is canted forward at a 55-degree angle to help lower the center of gravity. It also creates a better weight distribution and allows for more steering feedback. Another item to help the bike’s center of gravity is the dry sump lubrication system, which allowed BMW to position the engine closer to the ground than normal.

BMW isn’t talking power output on the new engines yet, but it is rumored to pump out at least 150 hp. BMW says the new six-cylinder engine produces an impressive 96 lb-ft of torque from 2000 rpm all the way to redline at 9000 rpm.

The Concept 6 motorcycle uses a 1.6-liter inline-six, but BMW hints that larger displacement six-cylinder engines will be fitted to the K-series in the future.

For more information please visit: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6590318/news/bmw-concept-6-squeezes-an-inline-6-to-a-motorcycle/index.html

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

MV Agusta introduces the new F4, the supersport that has always been judged the most beautiful motorcycle in the world

The F4 is a completely new motorcycle that contains within its DNA the technical and aesthetic characteristics that have continually linked MV Agusta with both performance and design

The new F4 builds upon the history of its predecessor, while at the same time improving upon all of the technological and performance characteristics which make it unique in the supersports category.

The engine, frame and single-sided rear swingarm are completely new. The new 998cc in-line four cylinder engine, with variable length intake tracts, slipper clutch, traction control and over 186 hp at 12.900 rpm, make the F4 the new supersport reference. But, the revolution does not stop there. The electronic fuel injection system has also been completely revised with a new ECU together with the TC MK II traction control system with 8 levels of control along with the double EFI mapping (sport/rain). The frame has been completely re-dimensioned, the single-sided swingarm is now longer and at the same time lighter while maintaining all of the adjustments of its predecessor. The new layout of the frame has resulted in a motorcycle that is 40mm narrower, the most compact supersport in production. Every detail, even the smallest component, has been redesigned and repositioned on the motorcycle with the objective of reducing the overall dry weight to 192,5 kg.

For more information please visit: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1525

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

Police put brakes on red light runners along Florida Avenue

Tuesday was a rare day in Hemet, at least rare for these days.

All five of the Hemet Police Department’s motorcycles were on the street in an effort to reduce the instances of red light running, primarily along Florida Avenue, but at other locations as well.

Lt. Duane Wisehart, who heads the traffic division, which was virtually eliminated through budget cuts, said the officers issued 45 citations, 27 of them for running red lights and 17 for such violations as speeding and talking on cell phones while driving.

Chief Richard Dana recalled four other traffic officers to motorcycle duty, Dan Reinbolt, Nate Miller, Jim Waters, and Gabe Gomez, for the day.

Dana, who joined the officers for a time to survey the results of their work, said the presence of the motorcycles had done more than generate citations.

“Along Florida Avenue, no one was speeding. People were stopping for lights,” he said. “And we had no accidents.”

Safety was, in fact, the issue, not revenue for the cash-strapped city.

Capt. Rob Webb said that, while the citation for running a red light could cost several hundred dollars once all the court costs and fees were totaled up, the city gets only about 13 percent of that.

“Traffic enforcement is expensive,” Webb said.

But it produces a safer environment on the streets, said Dana, and that is the point.

For more information please visit: http://www.thevalleychronicle.com/articles/2009/11/13/news/doc4afdba42363b7949613158.txt

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident because a motorist ran a red light, please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

Victory Motorcycles offers military personnel a 'Full Throttle Salute' with $1,000 cash back

Victory Motorcycles is honoring U.S. and Canadian military personnel for their dedication and commitment by providing them with a special offer. Victory salutes the efforts of those who serve to protect the freedom we value so highly.

For a limited time, U.S. and Canadian military personnel are being offered $1,000 cash back on the purchase of any new Victory model during the Victory “Full Throttle Salute.” All active, National Guard, reserve, and retired military personnel are eligible with proof of a valid military I.D.

“We at Victory respect and appreciate the sacrifice and service of our armed forces” said Victory General Manager Steve Menneto. “‘The Victory Full Throttle Salute’ is an opportunity for Victory to show that appreciation, and offer these men and women the chance to get on a new Victory and enjoy the escape motorcycling provides.”

Details about the Victory “Full Throttle Salute” are available from Victory dealers, and at www.victorymotorcycles-military.com.

For more information please visit: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1502

Triumph and TAG Heuer create a Steve McQueen-inspired motorcycle

British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph and Swiss watch manufacturer TAG Heuer have collaborated to create a special, one-of-a-kind “Bonneville Heuer” Triumph motorcycle. The association between Triumph and TAG Heuer comes as a result of their common values and the legacy of Steve McQueen, who was famously linked to both brands.

The TAG Heuer Bonneville features a unique blue and orange paint scheme that was inspired by the Porsche sports car driven by Steve McQueen’s character in the movie Le Mans (1971). McQueen wore TAG Heuer’s Monaco watch in the movie, and today TAG Heuer is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the watch.

McQueen rode Triumph motorcycles personally and in movies such as The Great Escape (1963). Triumph Motorcycles continues that relationship with McQueen’s estate to create vintage styled McQueen apparel. For 2010, the Triumph clothing range includes a jacket and t-shirt reminiscent of when McQueen raced a Triumph in the International Six Days Trials in Germany.

“We are delighted to play our part in this exciting project. The Triumph Bonneville and TAG Heuer Monaco are both timeless masterpieces, celebrating their respective 50th and 40th anniversaries this year,” said Neil Morley, Triumph’s Head of Brand Communications. “We also both have a natural connection with Steve McQueen, who famously wore a Monaco watch in the film Le Mans and was renowned for his love of our bikes, making this a very natural collaboration.”

The special Triumph Bonneville was unveiled in Paris by Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 Formula One world champion and TAG Heuer brand ambassador, and can be seen at various watch shows and TAG Heuer retailers throughout Europe.

The Triumph Bonneville was born in 1959 to recognize Johnny Allen’s land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Triumph Bonneville was an instant hit in America and the UK, and 50 years later continues to be one of Triumph’s most iconic motorcycles. Despite its classic appearance, the new Triumph Bonneville motorcycles feature state-of-the-art design and performance.

For more information please visit: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1504

A motorcycle crash in Clearwater claimed the lives of the driver and his passenger Thursday night.

Daniel Rivers was driving a 2004 Suzuki motorcycle with Starr Knoteck as a passenger when he failed to make a turn on Montclair Road.

Authorities say Rivers was speeding and lost control of the motorcycle on the curve near the 1800 block.

Both Rivers and Knoteck were tossed from the bike. Knoteck died at the scene and Rivers died later at Mease Dunedin Hospital.

Clearwater Police are investigating if alcohol contributed to the cause of the crash.

For more information please visit: http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Two-killed-in-Clearwater-motorcycle-crash/psNGH2iws0KwZ7Mnk9kjTg.cspx

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

A motorcycle driver died in a Tampa crash Friday evening and his passenger is in critical condition, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The Highway Patrol identified the couple as John Wyatt, 75, and Wilma Wyatt, 59, of Sun City Center.

A 1997 Chevy Camaro driven by Wayne Timothy Gardner II, 21, of Apollo Beach was northbound on U.S. 301 when he turned left into a paved median to get on Interstate 75. The Camaro stopped at the posted yield sign in the median.

Meanwhile, the Wyatts were southbound on U.S. 301 in the center lane on a 2001 Suzuki motorcycle.

FHP said the Camaro went into the path of the motorcycle, and they collided.

John Wyatt, the driver, died at the scene. Wilma Wyatt, the passenger, was taken to Tampa General Hospital.

Alcohol was not involved, the Highway Patrol said.

For more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/motorcyclist-dies-passenger-critically-hurt-in-tampa/1048483

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident because a motorist violated your right-of-way, please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

Man thrown off motorcycle after being struck from behind was run over by a second vehicle.

A motorcyclist thrown onto the northbound lanes of U.S. 17 in DeLeon Springs when his motorcycle was struck from behind by a vehicle was run over by a second vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The second vehicle, a pickup, did not stop after hitting and killing John C. Eaton, 46, of DeLand on Sunday night, said Sgt. Kim Montes, an FHP spokeswoman.

"We know that the pedestrian (motorcyclist) in the road was still alive but he was struck by the unknown pickup before he was able to get off the road," Montes said.

"We need the public's help in finding the vehicle and the driver, maybe a neighbor coming home with a pickup with damage on the front of their vehicle or if they used to keep their vehicle in the driveway but is not there this morning, we urge them to give us a call. We need to know."

Montes said troopers are examining Eaton's body to see if any debris or paint color from the vehicle could be found on his clothes.

According to Montes, Eaton pulled out of the Brass Rail Pub at 4485 N. U.S. 17 on Sunday night and was headed north when a Dodge pickup struck his motorcycle from behind. The northbound Dodge pickup stopped, Montes said. The crash happened about 6:45 p.m., according to EVAC ambulance officials.

Eaton was thrown into the northbound lanes of U.S. 17 when the unidentified hit-and-run pickup struck Eaton as he tried to get out of the way.

Anyone with information is asked to call FHP investigators at 407-737-2213.

For more information please visit: http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Local/newWEST02110309.htm

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com