NC vehicle safety laws in light of deadly Raleigh parade accident

In the aftermath of the deadly accident at the Raleigh Christmas parade, some are asking how future accidents can be avoided. Here's what a law professor says about NC vehicle safety laws.

[vinnyhern]

YES, it was a preventable tragedy! Liability falls on the organizers of the parade! there should of been safety requirements and inspections for the vehicles and trailers. Safety training for all drivers, training for emergency situation... If there is any charges to be filed, it should be for the person who negligently modified the braking system of the truck!

[rock-uuqr]

Alright funs over guys now they are gonna ban vehicle modding

[theupscriber]

You know what helps a vehicle stop? Pushing the brake. The brake lights didn't come on until he was almost to a stop. And he wasn't going idle speed.

[MajorBorris]

It appears the driver has been cited four times, most recently 3 weeks ago for failure have his vehicle inspected after being pulled over for improper equipment. Within the last year he was ordered to take driver improvement courses.

Investigators at the scene charged the driver with improper brakes citing no working breaking systems which likely means his emergency brake was not functional before the parade. The vehicle is a late model Denali heavy duty that was heavily modified with a lift kit, wheels and offset.

These modifications would also require heavy duty brake modifications, huge fender flares and bumper upgrades that would protect people on the sides of the vehicle from being dragged under the huge tires while making the vehicle legal for street use.

I can only speculate but I imagine the reckless driving is from the driver not doing all he could to stop the vehicle like using the first gear for engine braking or throwing it in park to destroy the transmission.

The fact that this 20-year-old kid thinks he's going to make the situation safer at a large public event by bringing a concealed weapon points to his lack of safety awareness for others around him.

[witchinghour]

The tint tickets. All it takes is taking it off and putting just putting the proper tint on the windows. He got so many it shows how careless he is. Then fails inspection on the vehicle? But no one blames him for that. They blame the crowd for not moving....

[FlexSZN]

The commonwealth attorney needs to upgrade the charge to manslaughter. He failed 4 vehicle safety inspections and still decided to participate in a parade. The level of callous disregard that takes is unconscionable. He needs to be put in prison for a long time.