Real nice photo. Next time try to get an even closer view. Get some blood and brain matter to add to the visual intensity. I know the family would probably enjoy seeing that.

Certainly hoping these two folks are able to survive this terrible accident....my thoughts and well wishes are with all who have been affected by this happening....

Good thoughts to the injured riders and many thanks to those assisting them. As a lifelong motorcyclist, I just wish I could see evidence of helmets in the picture so I could feel better about their long term chances of recuperation. Here's hoping for the best for both of them.

.... just noticed that it looks like at least one of them had a half-helmet on so maybe we can be a bit more optimisitc about their chances.

Isn't it a State Law that you HAVE to wear a helmet? Or was that law struck down? I used to ride (years ago) - always wore a helmet - never liked it, but I did realize its protection when cars would try to run me off the road by passing and pulling in quick and cutting me off. no- there was no leather jacket with "Hells Angels" written on it, just a windbreaker. I loved my time on the road. I do notice this year there seem to be more accidents than usual? Please, watch out carefully for the motorcycles - they ARE hard to see sometimes, but they have just as much right on the road as the rest of us in vehicles!! Hopefully the ones inthis accident will be OK - I will say a prayer for them!!!

North on 15 even at 50MPH there is not much room to see, even if the Motorcycle was doing 50 and the driver at the stop sign was looking both ways, timing is everything it seems and the Northbound side is what makes me worry the most when I am at that intersection.

Motorcycles are dangerous. Especially because the motorcycle drivers are usually not at fault unless they have been drinking.

Not that I suspect that this accident involves alcohol. Driver inattention is more like it.

I would bet that the vehicles door post hid the motorcycle from the car drivers view. Happens a lot when motorcycles come from the left hand side of the vehicle. Loud Pipes......Save Lives

Yeah irishprouud, and I'm sure the woman sitting on the ground would rather they had chosen a different camera angle as well.

I'm probably going to get banned from the site but it has to be said. BDN, you're a whole bunch of @$$holes for posting this picture. there is no need for this picture to be on this story. i hope the family sees this and seeks legal action if possible. i'm cancelling my subscription.

My thoughts and prayers are with those hurt and the familes. I have lived out west and the motorcycles have modulating headlights. They make such a difference. You can see the bike from a distance. Why are they illegal in Maine?

This was no accident. It was pure negligence on the part of the driver of the car. People need to look before they pull out on to the road. I know the driver said he did, but obviously he didn't recognize what he was looking at.

Another "I didn't see them"

I read other comments about the photo posted. I have to agree there is no need for such a close up picture in this situation. But my biggest problem with the photo is the "crack" shot of one of the women rendering aid. Did the BDN not notice this before using this photo. I figured the BDN would be more professional than that.

How about the guy (EMT with a radio?) approaching the downed bike with a cigarette in his mouth? What about a gas spill or leak? Is that the way you want to treat the injured by blowing smoke around them?

It's still OK to pull out in front of and cream a couple people on a motorcycle because you didn't care enough about responsibility and safety to pay attention. These people just do not take driving seriously. The legislature's failure to increase penalties and prosecution for inattentive driving amounts to its sanctioning such criminal behavior. Absolutely disgusting.

This picture is in poor taste

Thoughts and prayers for the couple to pull through. This was a senseless collision that unfortunately happens far too often due to driver inattenition.

I'm not so sure about the whole "Loud pipes Save lives" moto anymore, because most inattentive drivers who are either on the phone or have their stereos cranked wouldnt know a bomb had gone off til their a$$es landed on the moon. Safe driving requires our FULL attention and its unfortunate this isnt something that cant be forced upon drivers.

Please, please pay attention and watchout for cyclist. We cant stop as safely and quickly as motor vehicles and we have just as much right to enjoy the road as anyone. We've had limited sunshine this year so when its nice out, people will be out riding trying to take advantage of what little bit of nice weather we'll have this year. I know it doesnt state it in the article, but chances are one or both riders have children that need their parents. This incident (NOT accident) never should've happened.

This probably isn't the best picture they could have published, but it did get people's attention. Maybe something good can come from it by waking people up to the fact that this is what happens when you don't pay attention. If it gets just a few people to pay more attention it might be worth it.

That's just who I'd want helping me as I'm in pain...some EMT with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, blowing smoke all over me. One time, my mother fell down the stairs and we had to call the ambulance, and both EMT's had just finished a smoke, they smelled soooo bad, and the ambulance smelled like cigarette smoke....shouldn't this be a no-no???

For just one moment, never mind the butt-crack, and also forgive the adrenaline-filled, nervous E.M.T. with the cigarette, (this one time).

"Assault". Think about that. The motorcyclist, through no fault of his own, other than being in the wrong spot at the right time, was "assaulted" by a driver who pulled out into traffic without looking. Yes, without LOOKING. He didn't SEE the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was there; he chose not to SEE it. Maybe he lied and DIDN'T look? The motorcyclist and the passenger went down. HARD.

"Accident forgiveness". Think about that also. The auto driver will, in all likelihood, will be forgiven by his insurance carrier for this first time accident. WE will have to pay. His rates don't go up. He doesn't get a ticket from the law for "failure to yield",... because it was an "accident". He doesn't get summonsed to court for "assault". You might say the auto driver gets away scot-free.

"Accidents" don't just happen. Anytime there's an accident, there's ALWAYS someone involved who made a MISTAKE.

Who ultimately pays? We do. We all do. Oh yes, the driver of the auto will be inconvenienced when the car is being fixed at the autobody shop. Sadly, that's just about all he's paying. We are inconvenienced, (and outraged), when our rates for insurance goes up year after year, (even though some of us have exemplary clean driving and accident records!).

But who will be ultimately be paying the most and for the longest time?,..... the almost totally innocent victim here is the bike rider. Looks like his machine was totaled. He's in the hospital. He'll lose work, his wages, and his mobility for a time.

I have little compassion for the auto driver. Justice needs to be served.

I would get the best lawyer, (specializing in motorcycle accidents, Joe Bornstein), and sue the auto driver.

Maybe I'm looking at a different pic, but I dont see an EMT smoking. I see a guy with a navy blue shirt and what looks like "work" pants on holding what looks like a cell phone.

And for what its worth, paramedics work in a highly stressful enviorment. I'm sure they already know the dangers of smoking, but I've responded to severe accidents before, and it isnt something you shake off so easily. Furthermore, if I or one of my loved ones is in need of immediate medical care and the paramedics show up to save my life, I dont care what they smell like.

Paleshadows, click on the picture to enlargen it. The EMT does have a cigarette in his mouth, but like you said I wouldn't care either as long as they showed up to help save my life.

*flagged*

I don't know what the fuss is all about. I don't see anything offensive about this photo. So the EMT smokes, as long as he is capable of saving a life who cares?

Motorcycles are very hard to see. I almost hit one because he was in the "blind spot" of my car when I looked. I started to roll out and took a second look and there he was. Thank god I looked again or I would have nailed him.

You have to look more than once before you pull into traffic, you just never know.

The 'offensiveness' of the photo is the VICTIMS LAYING IN THE ROAD. If i was the victim and looked in the paper to see a picture of me laying in the road i would lose it. Who care about the EMT smoking is right! I HIGHLY doubt the victims were too concerned about the smell.

I guess from now on everyone that wants a job HELPING people, EMTs, doctors, nurses, etc. all need to be sure that they do not drink, do not smoke, are not over-weight, and God forbid have no facial piercings (feel free to add your own type of 'offensive' behavior)! Because apparently from some of the comments here we, as injured/needy people, do not want any 'undesireables' attending to us. *Second time today I get to use----**BIG FAT HAIRY EYEROLL**

man i would have NEVER been a nurse if that was the case.... hahahaha!!! Tattoos, piercings, smoke, drink....... drive fast, blow my horn....

Jeez! I forgot TATTOOS!!! We've been down that road vchapes ha ha. All those tattooed smokers that must be criminals :) Good Lord. I say, hey, if you want to help me and I'm hurt PLEASE DO!!!

OMG these people would wine if they were hung with a new rope!!!!ARGH!

Hahah! I would for sure!!

The offensiveness of the smoking is the fact that this was a vehicle "accident" Nobody has confirmed a gas leak I am sure, so while you are on the ground in pain someone smoking looses the butt in his mouth, drops a spark and now you got yourself someone helpless in even more pain because they are on fire.

No excuse why an EMT needs to smoke on their way to an emergency. Hate to see how they handle Oxygen tanks.

Where's Kevin when you need him.... he should be here telling us how non-flammable gas is!

Anywho- I hope the bikers make a FULL recovery!!!!!!

I agree that the picture is poor taste due to the victim. However, I think the photog should have used better judgement due to the B**t crack that I was exposed to during breakfast.

Loud pipes don't save lives, they just make the person riding the motorcycle seem primative.

Why is it that all the women are helping the victims and the men are watching?

I have been a motorcycle operator for over 30 years and I think that pictures like this might actually make some people stop and think, both 2 and 4 wheel operators. We need to have the extreme visuals to educate some people. What was the old video they used to show in driver's ed, "Blood on the Highway"? That hit us a lot better than just some words and statistics. This picture might help make some motorcyclists realize the need for helmets, brightly colored upper garments and maybe running lights. It might make some motorcyclists realize every car parked at an intersection has the potential to be a threat and to be better prepared. When I am riding I assume everyone out there is going to cut me off or pull out in front of me. I slow down a little and am prepared to brake. This picture might help make some 4 wheel operator take an extra second to make sure the road is clear before pulling out. If a gruesome accident scene picture saves one life by shocking some reader, then it is worth it.

It's worth it, but ONLY with the victims approval.

If you look at the picture again it looks like he is getting ready to take the cigartte out of his mouth and throw it down he probably just got out of the car so fast that he didn't think about it how it would look, did he know that BDN was going to be snapping a picture right then if he had thought ahead he probably changed into clean jeans before he left home to, but I think his main concern was helping the accident victims. So most of you posters are saying that if you are ever in an accident that you only want a non-smoker, non-pierced & tatooed, non-drinker, skinny (no I don't like looking at her butt & underwear either but she is there to help not to model) and clean clothes weareing person to help you well good luck with that you will probably be laying there for a while!

How do they get these victims approval in the condition they are in? If they have to everyone's approval prior to running a picture it will bring the reporting process to a grinding halt. Doesn't freedom of the press apply here?

true Rodmarks but it IS leaning towards poor taste...

You mean to tell me BDN made it to the scene before the ambulance? Did someone submit this picture? I can understand the scene but the victim themselves should not be printed.

I agree with you, vchapes. BDN needs to be way more sensitive in the posting of victims of accidents and crimes. They need to ask permission first.

I guess that picture would be tough on family, especially young ones. I was just trying to see the driver educational benefits of it and hoping a realistic picture showing the human cost would get some of the idiots on the road (both motorcyclists and 4 wheel drivers) to smarten up.

Which is not WRONG... :)

On 7/29/09 at 10:53 AM, SweetCaroliner wrote:

I don't know what the fuss is all about. I don't see anything offensive about this photo. So the EMT smokes, as long as he is capable of saving a life who cares?

I don't think anyone is being judgemental about the fact he smokes, it's all about the safety of smoking when there's a high probability of gas leaking from the tank of the motorcycle. I can tell you from personal experience that many motorcycle accident scenes involve gas leaking from a ruptured or torn off gas tank or gas line. I guess you wouldn't be upset if an EMT walked into your house to help an elderly relative that was on oxygen with a lit cigarette hanging from his/her lips? "SouthCaroliner", was/is your family in the tobacco growing business in So. Carolina?

jlegere1 - Will you also stop posting? Please.

I am the daughter of the woman in this accident. I want to set the story straight and have some of the RUDE people on here know the info before they jump to conclusions. They both WERE wearing helmets. Chis's flew off of him after he hit ground and my mother, who was on the other side, was taken off before the photo was taken. There were no drugs or alcohol involved. They were going for a short ride to enjoy the beautiful sunny day. Chris was paying attention and did EVERYTHING he could to avoid the car. HE IS NOT AT FAULT. The man driving the car says he did not see him and pulled out. Chris did everything he could and the doctors said that if Chris had done anything but what he did ... they would be dead. He saved their lives.

As for the picture... That will be left up to us to decide what to do, and we would appriciate it if people weren't rude about it.

~ I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. We appriciate them very much.

I will keep updates.

I didn't think anyone blamed them at all... the article clearly states it wasn't their fault...........................

The only thing anyone was really rude about was the lady on the ground HELPING if anyone should be upset with the comments it should be her. I read a lot of 'thoughts and prayers" and "not the motorcycle's fault" comments. Did you read the comments or 'just jump to conclusions' daughter09?

This whole thing is very upsetting and for all the photo comments, This picture is very disturbing to his family. To the user who commented on the both having children you are correct. The last thing I would want our 5 year old daughter seeing is her father that injured plastered in the paper. It was hard enough to tell her that her dad and Karen were hurt. I pulled this article up and immediately removed her from the room. My jaw dropped! To all the people showering them with prayers, they are so very appreciated and needed. Please keep them coming. I surely know we will be praying long and hard! They are both doing okay and giving A LOT of time should have full recovery. So again, please don't stop praying. Chris is not out of the dark yet.

Do me a favor "maineborne" dont talk about the family saying that that pic was disturbing to them when you have no contact or affiliation with anyone in that family. Thanks to those who are genuinely concerned and the family appreciate the support all those have been giving him with your comments and prayers.

An update for those who would like it. The paper was wrong in many ways. One, Feltner isnt from eddington he's from Lubec. Two he didnt have one collapsed lung they are both collapsed, and one was punctured. He has several broken ribs and has been on a breathing tube up until this afternoon. Hes in rough shape but he's built like an ox and is one of the strongest ppl I know. His girlfriend Karen is doing much much better but has several broken bones herself. The ambulance took 45 min to get there and Chris almost literally drowned in his own blood. I cant thank God enough for helping him hold on. We love him so much, this has just been a nightmare.

I will try to keep everyone updated when Im not with Christopher. I read my brother some of these comments today and he really appreciates the support.

No, the BDN does not get permission, screaming "First Ammendment" all the way. My family and I were involved in an accident years ago, and published a pic (similar to this one) without permission. Of course, in true BDN fashion, The got my name wrong, screwed up my kids ages, and fouled up my wifes' condition.

sometimes when accidents happen and things happen really fast, people forget to pull up their pants, put on their deoderant, put out their cigarette, and in general primp prior to trying to save someones life.

it's obvious that none of the posters on here have been in a life threatening situation themselves, I can guarantee you that you don't stop to think about whether or not your damn zipper is zipped or your lipstick is smudged.

give these people a break they were trying to help in a dire situation, at least they were good samaritans and tried, a lot of you would probably just have drove by.

Good luck to the people involved in the crash, I don't believe it's either drivers "fault" motorcyclists know the risk they take on when they ride, it's a calculated risk and sometimes accidents happen, motorcyles statistically have a higher probability of not being seen, you can't argue with facts.

Again, I hope these people recover and will someday ride again.

Maybe they should of taken a time out so they could get all dolled up LOL!!!!

I'm trying to figure out where the stupid arguing comes into play.... why does it matter if someone knows the people personally, the picture is still offending i would think. It is to me. The family seems to be putting down the people that are wishing them well.... how nice.

IT LOOKS LIKE LOTS OF THE PEOPLE WHO POST IN HERE ARE SO NEGATIVE ABOUT EVERYTHING YOU'D THINK PSYCHIATRIC HELP MIGHT BE OF SOME HELP TO THEM. THE PAPER ISN'T WRONG IN SHOWING THE PHOTO,THATS WHAT NEWS IS,NEWS. THERE IS NOTHING BAD SHOWING IN THE PHOTO. IF YOU NEVER HAVE ANYTHING POSITIVE TO SAY, WHY DON'T YOU BEEEE QUIETTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!

Vchapes, I think perhaps the family and other posters are referring to the offensive comments left by "killswitch_endgame" which, is what my *flagged* post above is referring to as well. BDN must've removed those comments shortly after I flagged them.

I do, however think it’s a bit arrogant and naive to assume none of posters here have ever been in or attended to serious crashes.

Also, I have to agree with RodMarks on several points he made. As a cyclist, I know there is probable danger at every intersection, residential area, and especially the open road as deer, moose, coons, ect can come out of nowhere. My lights are always on and even if I have full gear on, I try to always be certain I have something reflective or brightly colored on. Upon entering any intersection or curve I'm always prepared to straighten out and stop quickly. But with that said, I'm guilty of becoming complacent and getting just a little "too" comfortable while riding and incidents like are just enough to remind us of the imminent hazards out there.

Yesterday was a great day to ride and as I woke that morning and anticipated my day of riding I just happen to click on this article while having coffee. The pic alone put me on a higher alert, knowing this could be me or my husband...and many times he also has our 12yr old on the back. So, while I do agree its graphic, its all I thought about as I mounted my bike that day.

Again, prayers and thoughts for the couple. May they make a speedy recovery.

Ride safe everyone...........

CRACK

You know Jenny (Jeniva) I was married to Chris and with him for over 5 years. I do take care of your niece (his daughter) that thinks daddy is a hero. So I have much affiliation with him just not you!!! I have friends praying for them and I am doing so myself with his daughter. So to Chris and Karen, I wish you the best and do genuinely care about the BOTH of you. Get Well SOON!

Christopher, you are a hero for everyone that knows you. I am so lucky to have you as a brother in law. I know that you and karen will be okay. You are one of the strongest people I know. Jenny, Keith, Rose, My husband Kris, I love you all and my thoughts and prayers are with you all

I can't help but toss in one more commentary. First of all, why are so many people bashing the rescuers/responders? Don't you realize that most of them are volunteers with lives and jobs, and they respond as they are from wherever they are when dispatched? Volunteer EMTs and firefighters come in all shapes,sizes and styles, if that bothers you that much, don't ask for help because more than likely that's who you're going to get. Just because a responder has a dirty shirt on or is packing extra pounds doesn't mean they don't know what they are doing or are incapable of doing a good job. I've never seen an EMT work on a patient with a cigarette dangling out of their mouth at any scene I've been to as a firefighter. The smell of stale smoke is minor compared to some of the odors and smells that come from some patients. Get over it, people smoke. I don't and really don't care to smell it, but if it means saving someone's life or limb I'm just glad they are there to help. These scenes are stressful enough on families and responders, without having an arm chair quarterback picking it apart over one picture. And why does the crack shot bother you so much? You see a lot worse on your soaps and reality shows. I hope all of you never have the opportunity to be at one of these scenes whether as an observer or victim, but if you ever do maybe you'll see why things are the way they are.

Good job to all involved who helped out, and speedy recovery and best wishes to both of the injured folks.

As far as cigarette comments go I think people were worried about fire if there was a gas spill. A puddle of gas itself will not go BOOM froma cigarette. It will go out. BUT, fumes on the other hand are very unstable when it comes to sparks and heat, they can go boom. As an EMT/FF we were not allowed to approach an accident scene with a lit cigarette. It looked as if the guy walking up with the cig was reaching to throw it out. It also looks like he is an EMT from what appears to be a radio in one hand and possibly a maltese cross on the front of his shirt. Hard to say. If being overweight, having tattoos, piercings and drinking means bad EMT, well I guess I better quit. But, I can get into a rolled car and in through crushed windows,,,fat squishes and I do it well. Ive gone to accident scenes directly from work and showed up filthy, ive also been to a scene in my pajamas and my Rescue coat and ended up in the rig assisting the patients breathing, patients dont care what we wear or look like they are just comforted at the fact that someone knows what they're doing and will help them feel better.

I cant say I would want my picture put up the way BDN has it, that would definately bother me. But whats done is done, its up to the family now.

As a motorcycle lover ,,good luck to the riders. I hope they heal well and quickly.

So true maineworkr- I remember when i was crushed i had to be taken by ambulance, i barely even remember the EMTs, and there were about 6 of them with me. BUT i can say the EMT that was in the ambulance with me was too heavy to be in the ambulance.... everytime she reached for something her stomach was pushing down on me, and i had been CRUSHED, i was broken all over. AND i hadnt been given an IV yet, so it pretty much just created more pain. She was just as nice and funny as could be, and she knew what she was doing, but thats pretty small quarters for a stretcher and 2 adults let alone a stretcher, full grown man and a 250lb woman.

OMG vchapes. Im sorry but I had to laugh at that one. NOT because you were hurt. Its scarey to be in a bad accident like that. Im not quite that big, I can still crawl into spaces you wouldnt think I could. I dont ever recall my belly crushing anyone,lol. Im sure most people I have been with in an ambulance wouldnt know me if they tripped on me now. I know they would try to hold my hand like it was a life line while we were on our way to the hospital and I never denied anyone that small comfort. My full time job is construction so if I go to a scene after work im generaly dirty and try not to go in the rig, just assist at the scene.

I just heard about this the other day and my heart stopped for a minute. I am soo glad everything is okay and the two are doing better, my thoughts and prayers are with them and their families. He was a huge part of my life at one point and would never want anything bad to ever happen to him. I will be praying for the couple and will be thinking about them till they both have a full recovery.