Excellent well thought out responses. I would only point out to the author of the Time article, that if the motorcyclist had lived he would of been facing criminal charges. In addition, I am sure some civil penalties in the form of a punitive and compensatory damages. Not to all if you drive like this idiot , I would hope you don't, make sure you get decent liability policy. The required state mins are usually 10,000 the norm is 100k but that won't pay for much if you get sued. If you don't have enough coverage to cover the judgment they can put a lien on your house and get 10% of your salary until gets paid off. How do I know this.. I caused an accident by turning in front of a guy. Even though I pulled him out of a burning car and even though he wasn't wearing seat belts my insurance company ended up settling with him for 80K (lost teeth and broken ankle). It was my fault but if he would of wore seat belts he would of walked away like I did. Lesson learned if you cause an accident be prepared to pay the penalty and or do the time. I was totally ignorant of the consequences before the accident. Not something they teach you in drivers ed.
Also in WA state you drive over 20 mph over the speed limit its reckless driving and they can haul you off to jail and impound your bike until you get out.