Community Magazine June 2016

YOU JUDGE! BE THE FULL STEAM AHEAD Murray, a young man eighteen years of age, took private driving lessons with Cheryl, a certified Driver’s Ed teacher. During their second lesson, Cheryl seemed to be preoccupied with a family issue and conducted numerous phone calls throughout the duration of their one-hour lesson. Feeling neglected, Murray expressed his frustration. Cheryl reassured him that he finally had her undivided attention as she had just completed her last phone call. However, only minutes later, Cheryl apologetically answered yet another phone call and conducted a lengthy conversation while Murray was driving. At this point, Murray was furious. In an attempt to get Cheryl’s attention, he pulled away at a green light at maximum speed. Flooring the gas pedal from his stationed position caused him to lose control of the wheel and he side-swiped a car parked alongside the road. Both cars sustained considerable damage on account of the accident. Thereafter, Cheryl informed Murray that her car insurance policy would nevertheless cover for damages, since the accident was not committed deliberately; however, it was nevertheless his responsibility to pay the $500 deductible. In Bet Din, Cheryl claimed that Murray’s intentional reckless driving is what ultimately caused the accident. Murray emphatically counterclaimed that, since he was an unlicensed driver, it was her responsibility to supervise his actions. Her failing to do so made her partially negligent as well and responsible for bearing the $500 cost of the deductible. Murray believed that had Cheryl not been speaking on the phone, the accident could have been prevented. HOW SHOULD THE BET DIN RULE AND WHY? YOU BE THE JUDGE and send your response to YouJudge@CommunityM.com Verdicts – and the accompanying rationale – will be reviewed by the Rosh Bet Din. The first three correct submissions received before the deadline will win a $50 gift certificate to a Community Magazine advertiser! Correct entries will receive honorable mention in the next issue when the Rosh Bet Din’s verdict is printed. IYAR - SIVAN 5776 JUNE 2016 51 TIMELESS TABLE 10% off Everything! Specializing in Shower, Vort and Swanee Registries 1400 East 4th Street 718.339.5900 GRAND OPENING SUNDAY MAY 29th zeddesignsny@gmail.com