OMG, you okay? Can you move? Great! Here's your ticket...

[Koyaanisqatsi]

Man Struck by Car Given Jaywalking Ticket

Sat Dec 3, 1:49 AM ET

WASHINGTON - A former secretary of the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts received a $5 jaywalking ticket after he was hit by a car and critically injured while crossing a busy street.

Charles Atherton, 73, was conscious when he was issued the ticket before being taken to George Washington University Hospital, District of Columbia police told The Washington Post.

However, witnesses reported that Atherton was unresponsive and struggling to breathe as he lay crumpled in the road Thursday night. They said he was knocked out of his shoes and his head hit the vehicle's windshield, leaving him bleeding from his head and nose.

Police said Atherton received the ticket because he caused the accident by crossing Connecticut Avenue in mid-block.

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051203/ap_on_re_us/jaywalking_ticket

[Caoimhe]

1. How awful I hope he is okay n/t

[Straight Shooter]

2. I can see the police officer's rationale for doing this.

If Atherton decides to sue the driver, then the ticket being issued to him would provide support in establishing Atherton's negligence in causing the accident, at least from the police officer's point of view. Facts are facts, and if Atherton was at fault, he deserved the ticket, although I will admit that being issued a ticket at the scene seems rather callous.

In looking at Atherton's short bio, would we be hearing about this if he were not such a prominent figure? Hmmmm ....