The answer to that question is different for every individual. But we suspect the age and acuity of 83-year-old Golden resident Kenneth Hosch, seen here in a photo from his Facebook page, will be a factor examined by investigators with the Colorado State Patrol looking into a tragic crash yesterday -- one that took the life of a thus-far-unidentified Jefferson County deputy.
Photos, video and details below.
At 10:05 a.m. on January 26, according to the CSP, the deputy was traveling in the left northbound lane of Highway 93, north of West 64th Parkway.
He was riding his Jefferson County Sheriff's Office-issued Harley Davidson amid a standard Sunday morning patrol, 7News reports.
As the deputy entered what's described as a sweeping curve, a southbound 2004 Saturn SUV attempted to negotiate this part of the roadway.However, the Saturn crossed the double-yellow lane.
The SUV is said to have passed at least one vehicle before crashing head-on into the deputy's Harley.
The impact threw the deputy off his bike, and despite his helmet and eye protection, he suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hosch, the Saturn's driver, suffered only minor injuries; he was wearing a seat belt. Nonetheless, he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The CSP has already confirmed that Hosch wasn't operating his vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs, and weather doesn't appear to have been a factor, either. While inclement weather entered the area later in the day, the conditions at the time of the accident were likely ideal.At this point, charges against Hosch are said to be pending.
Look below to see a 7News piece about the crash. In the meantime, our condolences to the deputy's friends, family and loved ones.
Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.
More from our Colorado Crimes archive circa May 2012: "Jeremy Bitner update: Private funeral for officer killed by drunk driver Conner Donohue."
