Pasco: Motorbiker who struck car dies of crash injuries

NEW PORT RICHEY - Paul Mason had five children and six grandchildren. He worked as a mason and drank Budweiser from a bottle and danced often, sometimes on bar stools. He was going north when his motorbike hit the Oldsmobile.

That was Dec. 3, and those who know him say Mason never woke up. He hung on at Bayfront Medical Center till Tuesday. He was 53.

The crash was another driver's fault, police said. But that driver faces no more than three points on his license and a fine of $118.50.

"Had there been no injury," said Cpl. Michael Koch of the Port Richey Police Department, "it would have been the same violation."

Here's what happened, Koch said: Mason was riding north on Grand Boulevard on his motorcycle about 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3 near U.S. 19. Floyd Biggs, 85, was coming south in the Oldsmobile.

Biggs turned left, crossing into Mason's path, and Mason's bike clipped the back of the Oldsmobile. Mason hit the ground, hurting his head and chest.

It's a civil infraction. Criminal charges are unlikely because Biggs' driving was not reckless, Koch said. The result is irrelevant.

Reached at home by telephone, Biggs said his insurance company told him not to discuss the crash.

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Comments on this article

by Kayla	01/14/07 07:31 PM
I really wish elders will give up their license so people stop gettin hurt. Exp. My ghrandpa go hurt. I'm sooooo angry about this. why him why.

by Kayla	01/06/07 08:37 PM
My grandpa was cool. He came up here when we needed him. I loved him and so did his entire family n friends. He was know to me as the cool guy. LOL. I loved this article cause it explains the true way my grandpa wanted to go. On his Harley.GKid.

by Kayla	01/06/07 08:34 PM
Thanks my granfather was more than a drinker. He loved his kids and everything. I wish he hadn't passed away. I actually think this was a really bad and terrible thing but he had 2 leave. I loved him and I'm sure everyone does who knew him.Grankid

by sheila	12/27/06 02:30 PM
As a matter of fact he was tested, thanks for asking. And no, he was not speeding either. Nobody is blaming this man. The accident just raises questions about how some things are done.

by Jerid	12/23/06 11:01 PM
Was the motor cycle driver tested for alcohol or drugs? Was he speeding? Why are you crucifying this old man?

by Sheila	12/22/06 01:49 PM
We can all place blame somewhere and I do agree that we need to stop MAILING drivers licenses to the elderly but until then,we just need to remember our good friend, drive carefully and watch out for the BIKES!!

by sheila	12/22/06 01:43 PM
Pauly was more than a "bud in the bottle" to all of us. Those of us who knew him don't need a reporter to tell us about Pauly. We knew one very special, caring and funny person who will be missed by us all!!

by Lora	12/22/06 01:11 PM
maybe Mr.Briggs (85yo)needs his driving PRIVLEGES reevaluated

by Sue	12/21/06 02:00 PM
Biggs does have a conscience and feels horrible. He did try to call the hospital everyday and check on Paul's condition, but the hospital cannot give out that information that is the reason he didn't know he died.

by Linda	12/21/06 08:39 AM
Thank you for your comments LilBit..it sounds you like you knew our Paul too...he was so much more to so many people .....his wife

by james	12/21/06 12:04 AM
Don't stone the man, before you know anything about the case. After any accident we all would have done somthing different,like the best decision would be to wear a helmet.

by LilBit	12/20/06 11:02 PM
"Pauly" was a good man with a heart of Gold, shirt off his back more than just a "drinker,barstool dancer",who hasn't drank a beer or danced? He was someone's father,grandfather,and best friend who will always be remembered and missed-ByTheBackYard.

by LilBit	12/20/06 10:56 PM
It said he didn't even know he died? Where is his concience? When is the State Of Florida going to start making it mandatory for the "retired" to "renew" in person along with their prescription list? The state looks at the young and assume,the elder?

by LilBit	12/20/06 10:50 PM
The last I knew If You were involved in an accident and got CITED for it than you had to pay for repairs and medical - you are at fault-right? What about when it becomes Death? This Biggs never even called to see how "Pauly" was,evidently.

by LilBit	12/20/06 10:47 PM
(Cont'd) Did he get his liscense renewal in the mail, as my mother did not only while she was in Ohio, but after she was deceased as well. I think the elderly should be just as accountable for their actions as anyone.

by LilBit	12/20/06 10:42 PM
Okay Biggs drives So.Bound, motorcyclist is No.Bound-Biggs turns left(wbound). No doubt Paul could only swerve so far before hitting someone else head on. My question is-did Biggs have any "medications" in his system?

by anne	12/20/06 06:02 PM
I get so tired of when the elderly get into accidents, all they get is a slap on the hand and let go. Now if that was me or some teenager that hit that man we would of been thrown in jail. This is so unfair.

by Linda	12/20/06 01:39 PM
Paul was a loving man who left behind a grieved family...he was more than just a beer drinker and table dancer..we are his family

by John	12/20/06 01:14 PM
The 85 year old violated the right of way and was cited. That makes him responsible. The motorcyclist's abilty to swerve is irrelvant as no such action would be necesary if the senior driver obeyed the law. Watch for motorcycles!!

by Kel	12/20/06 01:03 PM
The reason we have rules like this is so that people can't make the punishment fit their emotion. Really, the result is irrelevant. However much it plain sucks, it still was just bad circumstances.

by SEAN	12/20/06 10:22 AM
Was he wearing a helmet? Older drivers should be tested often and motor cycle riders should wear helmets always.

by Anthony	12/20/06 10:17 AM
Why is everyone so quick to blame the 85 year old? He was deemed not at fault. It wasn't said but it is possible the victim was speeding on his cycle. He also hit the BACK of the vehicle. Could he have slowed down or swerved to avoid a wreck?

by Laura	12/20/06 10:00 AM
It is no surprise that this happens. While drivers of all ages can cause accidents, it is a fact that your faculties and reflexes diminish as you age. Couple that with medications that many seniors take and it's a recipe for disaster. Test them often

by Kris	12/20/06 09:01 AM
Good 4 U Gary, I periodically ride with my Dad to check his driving.

by Ed	12/20/06 08:23 AM
another death due to a senior;its about time we start testing seniors every few months and take their license when they fail.Wake up florida!!!(I'm 55 years old)

by gary	12/20/06 07:18 AM
When was this 85 year old driver last tested, and is he capable of driving. We recently surrendered my 82 year old mother's license because she truthfully is not able to function as a driver even though her license was renewed 2 months before.