Driver showed ‘egregious inattention’ in death of pedestrian, judge says
A driver who struck and killed a pedestrian in downtown Whitehorse last year has been prohibited from driving for 21 months.
A driver who struck and killed a pedestrian in downtown Whitehorse last year has been prohibited from driving for 21 months.
Keith Ramage, 57, pleaded guilty to two charges under the Motor Vehicles Act – failing to yield to pedestrian right-of-way at a crosswalk and driving without due care and attention.
Ramage hit William Lagimodiere with his SUV in February 2014, while Lagimodiere was crossing Fourth Avenue in front of Tags Food and Gas.
The territory’s chief coroner found Ramage was travelling about 10 km/h over the speed limit.
Lagimodiere had activated the flashing pedestrian lights, but sunlight inhibited drivers’ ability to see them, the coroner determined.
Ramage was sentenced in March, though Judge John Faulkner’s written decision was only released Wednesday.
Ramage will serve a three-month sentence in the community, Faulkner ruled.
He must abide by a curfew. When the sentence ends, he’ll spend 18 months on probation.
Ramage is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle for the duration of his sentence.
“The pedestrian was in the crosswalk for some 10 seconds before he was struck, and Mr. Ramage had more than ample time to see the deceased, react, and stop,” Faulkner wrote.
“Afterward, Mr. Ramage told the police that he had been looking to the side, and when he looked back at the road, the pedestrian was right in front of him.”
Years ago, an assessment of Ramage’s driving at his job showed he was making “attention-related errors.” He lost the job but not his driver’s licence.
Faulkner referred to the man’s driving record, which has three convictions for failing to yield, following too close and unsafe backing.
In the month prior to Lagimodiere’s death, Ramage was involved in two other vehicle accidents, the decision states.
“In hindsight, it is clear that there were issues, and that Mr. Ramage should not have been driving a motor vehicle,” Faulkner wrote.
He showed “egregious inattention,” the judge said, and it had a “devastating result.”
The decision also highlighted medical issues that may have affected Ramage’s ability to drive safely: cancer of the spine, hearing and vision problems and pain medications.
Comments (7)
Up 50 Down 2
Stephen on Jun 1, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Ok so why did the guy's Doctor not report him and have his license removed? Doctor's are suppose to do this if they know their patient is a danger and drives!!
Up 26 Down 6
Accurate Reporting on Jun 1, 2015 at 7:03 am
@north_of_60.
Look in the mirror. We elect the politicians who make the laws. Judges and lawyers only interpret them. Punishments are set by law. We wouldn't want some activist judge going beyond what is laid out in the law and punishing someone would we!
Up 78 Down 3
Just Say'in on May 30, 2015 at 12:24 pm
Maybe someone can enlighten me but it definitely seems there are different rules to justice for different people. How is it that this guys driving record is brought forward as evidence in this case (and I am not suggesting that it should't be) but in severe cases like Murder and Rape or the recent case against Nehass the jury was not allowed to know about their previous charges or even convictions because it may prejudice their decision. You roll a stop sign at sometime in your life and it can be brought up later to prosecute you but Murder or Rape and that can't be brought forward. Something has to change for sure.
Up 64 Down 4
June Jackson on May 29, 2015 at 7:59 pm
I am so sorry for Mr. Lagimodiere.. Rest in Peace.
So many drivers in Whitehorse are really bad drivers.. pass on the right, no signal lights, don't stop at the side street stop signs, and always in such a damned hurry.. The surprise is more people are not hit.
Hitting someone, let alone killing them..is a drivers worst nightmare.
Up 46 Down 28
Jim Lahey on May 29, 2015 at 5:32 pm
Oh look. Someone not paying attention again. Read my previous post on an earlier article. People just get slaps on the wrist for these types of events. You kill someone then you should get life without parole. Those drivers will smarten up pretty fast, that's for dam sure.
Up 58 Down 1
WestofBelfast on May 29, 2015 at 5:27 pm
In the judge's sentencing report he also acknowledged that Ramage was taking medication that may have had an impact on his ability to operate a vehicle safely. Why was he not charged with impaired? No different than him having a bunch of beers and then getting behind the wheel.
Up 74 Down 2
north_of_60 on May 29, 2015 at 4:54 pm
Please do some accurate reporting and explain to the readers why someone who kills another with a motor vehicle doesn't lose their driving license for good, especially when they have a record of inattentive and aggressive driving.
How can a judge state that the person "clearly should not drive a motor vehicle," and then give the person a three month 'slap on the wrist' driving suspension?
This reckless individual should never be allowed to drive again.
Consistent premeditated carelessness is just as deadly as harmful intent.