they should... wrote on Oct 11, 2008 5:29 PM:be able to pull up the vehicle liscense numbers and see the driver/s of both vehicles using the video recording system in that particular Jack in the Box.

Ask wrote on Oct 11, 2008 5:43 PM:So the truck rammed the other car and the truck crashed. Small car 1.

karma anyone wrote on Oct 11, 2008 8:21 PM:stupid truck driver. and to ruin a brand new Tacoma? five men in it? must have been a tight squeeze...alcohol, 5 men, early hours of the morning...testosterone, ego...

I feel sorry for wrote on Oct 12, 2008 12:40 AM:Steven Martinez and his family. This was stupid. It didn't need to happen. I hope they throw the book at the driver who rammed the other car causing the death and injuries. My thoughts are with the family at this tragic time.

concerned wrote on Oct 12, 2008 9:16 AM:It's funny how you people are so quick to judge, you are convicting someone of a crime that is published in the NC times, they do not go off facts, they go off what makes a story. The people in the other car took off, which makes them just as "guilty", I think you should wait and see if this goes to trial and then make your decision, until then, its just speculation and hear say. As for the family that lost their son...all I can say is God Bless you and I am sorry for your loss.

the driver wrote on Oct 12, 2008 10:30 AM:of the truck that rammed the other car will have to live with the death of his friend for the rest of his life.

and for what? to prove how macho he is?

I dont feel sorry... wrote on Oct 12, 2008 10:50 AM:for anyone. Live by the sword, die by the sword. 98% of folks just ignore idiots and don't follow people they are fighting with.

Marie wrote on Oct 12, 2008 12:45 PM:I love Steve very much. It is hurtful that a person wrote that they don't feel sorry. It is hard to believe that you wouldn't think that the people affected by this accident wouldn't read this.

Steve was the love of my life and my best friend. This was a big loss for me. The accident may have happened for "stupid" reasons, but the fact remains: People are in grief and lives have changed.

I would like to believe in compassion but it is clear to me that some people have the fortune to not have lost a loved one yet. I pray everyone can find compassion for the driver and my beloved Steve Martinez.

Liz wrote on Oct 12, 2008 2:00 PM:My condolences to the family and friends of Steve Martinez. ...

Unfortuante wrote on Oct 12, 2008 3:21 PM:My sympathy to the families of the passenger. It's truly unfortunate that these drivers were not taught that a vehicle can be a dangerous weapon and if you are the driver you are responsible for those in your vehicle as well as others lives. They must think of the consequences if they become irresponsible while driving a vehicle recklously. A vehicle is not a toy. My condolences again to Steve's family and loved ones. May others learn from this tragedy.

to concerned wrote on Oct 12, 2008 3:36 PM:If someone steals my purse and I chase him and I fall and break my neck, it is not the thief's fault that I CHOSE TO CHASE and was clumsy. It is the thief's fault for stealing - not for my choice to chase.

Kevin wrote on Oct 12, 2008 8:35 PM:And while all of this testosterone was being utilized for suboptimal purposes can you imagine the danger the placed others in. Yes, this was tragic. I'm sorry for the victim. I'm glad I was dont driving my family around this situation though.

Bernz wrote on Oct 12, 2008 10:14 PM:steve-o , another friend and i rode our yamahas on most weekends. he was a great guy and will be rememberd forever as a true friend i am deeply sorry to his family for their loss
Rest in paradise Steve you will most definatly be missed

Please out of respect for steve keep rude and sensless comments to yourself

Cindy wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:16 AM:Very very sad. My heart goes out to the friends and family of the victim. This could have been avoided.

Alf wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:07 AM:While tragic, this was totally preventable.
The driver of the pickup made the choice to use his vehicle as a weapon.
That choice backfired.
Now he will face ALL the consequences of that choice.
Regards, Alf.

Crazy drivers wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:29 AM:California roads are more dangerous than ever. It's embarrassing to know we have citizens that drive like this. I expect this kind of behaviour from teens,hillbillies in Alambama and Minnesota, but not adults in California. Grow up if you want to drive on our roads! You give yourselves a bad name as well as all other Calfornians.

Al wrote on Oct 13, 2008 12:28 PM:Totally senseless and tragic. I feel horrible for the killed man and his loved ones. Awful!
These days, I don't get into arguments with anyone out in public, I stay clear of potential problems on the streets. There are way to many whacko's out there. Yo never know what can happen once you get these folks P.O.'s at yo.

Are You Kidding Me wrote on Oct 13, 2008 6:43 PM:Once again, another example of you can't fix stupid.

Drinking and driving is stupid. Not wearing a seat belt is stupid. Using a vehicle as a weapon is stupid. And in this day and age, any altercation in public is stupid.

No matter what, it's not worth losing a life over.

friend wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:22 PM:RIP STEVE YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED ALWAYS. YOU STAY IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.

PEOPLE YOU ARE NOT THE ONES TO JUDGE OR SAY SUCH COMMENTS.YOU GUYS DONT KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN THAT ACCIDENT FOR SURE. SO PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THERES ALOT OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY AFFECTED BY THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE.

RIP STEVE YOU WILL BE MISSED.

Mike wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:22 AM:To Steve's Friends, who are you to scold us for commenting on he and his friends stupidity.

But now you have a chance to change and learn. How will you apply this lesson tonight on your commute home? ...

Esco Native wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:23 AM:I am so sorry for the lose of Steve my prayers are with his family and friends and also with those that are still recovering. I did not know these man but my brother did it is sad that these things have to happen I hope that many people can learn from this.. God bless them.

Alf wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:25 AM:Well, "Mike" at 7:22AM on the 14th,
declaring stupid actions to be stupid is upsetting to some.
"A 24-year-old man who had received his motorcycle learner's permit only five days earlier .....was southbound on a 2007 Suzuki GSR-1000 motorcycle, going in excess of 100 mph, when he lost control and rode up on a center island, striking a tree". url -
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/10/08/news/inland/poway/z09ed378f482e2e07882574dc0057c849.txt
That is also stupid.
Using a pickup as a weapon,
going over 100mph on a learners permit,
both stupid,
both resulted in at least 1 death,
both completely perventable and
both not necessary.
Johnny Fever used to say "Speed kills".
Regards, Alf.

Are You Kidding Me wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:08 AM:to friend,

The loss of a loved one, in any circumstances is painful...I pray for you and your family to find peace and comfort for your pain.

However, I do, as much as anyone else, have the right to comment/judge/whatever-you-want-to-call it. What it is is free speech; I have it, you have it, everyone posting here has it.

This is not a contest to see how many are in agreement, or who can say the meanest or nicest thing...it's simply a means to express reader's thoughts on the news as NCT reports it.

Free Speech wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:49 PM:is something of a right...though how we choose to exercise that right is questionable.

I agree people can express their thoughts as the news reports it...but...
Perhaps - Everyone's "right to to comment/judge/whatever-you-want-to-call it" SHOULD be a little more thoughtful.

I believe I've exercised my right of "free speech" by telling People that it is NOT OK to spill out whatever you feel-at any moment-JUST because "it is your right." (this as a lesson as read through this very article)

I think that any comments written here-on should be an expression of compassion.

Alex wrote on Oct 14, 2008 2:48 PM:Steve-O was a good friend of mine. He was always laughing and you couldn't help but smile around him. He seriously was a great person, and a better friend. It is true when they say the worst things always happen to the best people. All the mornings at work we shared won't be forgotten. Miss you man, and we will both be laughing again one day together. Rest in peace brother!

God bless you man,
Kyzer

Marcia wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:12 PM:For all you people that have something negative to say- keep the comments to yourself.

This could have happened to any one of us... let this be a lesson to all of us.

I worked with Steve for a few years, he was one of the nicest people I met while working there.

Im so sorry to his family and to the one and only girl I ever heard him talk about "Marie"... Im so very sorry for your loss.

And to my other friends who were injured- Im still hoping for a a good recovery.

Alf wrote on Oct 14, 2008 4:53 PM:My statements that
using a vehicle as a weapon is dangerous, deadly and stupid-
Stand.
Even trained law enforcement will only do that as a second to last resort, second only to the use of the deadly force of a gun.
Regards, Alf.

Good Friend wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:51 PM:Steve and I grew up together and it is tragic he had to leave us this way. All I have to say is you will be missed and let this be a lesson to all of us. This is the second friend I lose in just the last few months. Please everyone drive safe and drive smart. God Bless you Steve.

.. wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:01 PM:To all involved in this unfortunate accident, our hearts and prayers are out there for you and your families. Everything happens for a reason and unfortunately this was a great loss. :( God Bless
<3

AnaMarie wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:39 AM:This is a horrible tradegy my heart goes out to family, relatives and friends involved. May god have him in a better place. God Bless you Steve...

Friend wrote on Oct 15, 2008 5:08 PM:This goes to all the families involved for the lost of a loved one and the one's left behind struggling to survive have a long road ahead of them, I don't think people should be so judgemental at this difficult time, It will be hard enough for those who did survive to move on with their lives and accept what's coming to them.I believe it was Steve's time to go the lord needed him, I'm sure god took him by his hand and guided him to paradise walking by his side. It is difficult to understand at this time but as time goes by we learn to live with it. God bless everyone involved in this tragic accident and pray for the ones that did survive.

Erin wrote on Oct 15, 2008 5:44 PM:To Marie,

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your boyfriend. He didn't deserve what happened to him. May God be with you and Steve's family as you mourn his loss.

q wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:48 PM:this incident has more to it than has been lead on to believe you people sit here and type rude sayings when the families and friends of the passangers involved read this how rude.... you wernt there youdont know what happened so you have no say in this matter, mind your own buisness and let the family grieve without your stupid ignorant comments please