This is the second time I've had to panic stop from freeway speeds. The first was at 75mph, this was at 50mph. I count this as a "tie" (you'll see why below) because I wasn't able to avoid a collision, but also there was no collision. I welcome any critical comments - if 20/20 hindsight is good for anything, it's good for avoiding "next time".

(Note: I over-explained a few obvious things because this was first written for a general "Facebook audience" of mostly cagers. See important details below regarding my bike and my experience level.)

THE SITUATION: Dry, clear roads; night time.

DECISION #1: be polite or be safe? (result: mistake)
I had a Lincoln sedan in front of me as we approached an entrance ramp to a freeway. It's not safe to merge onto the freeway directly behind a car. The safe thing to do is to speed up and overtake them, but it's also rude and startling to them if you have to ZOOM past them to do it. I decided to be defensive and slow way down to put a bunch of space between us - there was no traffic behind us.

DECISION #2: where to pay close attention? (result: mistake)
When the Lincoln entered the ramp, I had lost sight of it around a sharp turn. When I eventually entered the ramp I I decided to keep watching (1) the freeway, since the visibility of the traffic is blocked by a barrier at the top of the ramp, but visibility increases at the bottom. Also, (2) was entirely clear and (3) was as good as clear. Again, no traffic behind me.

DECISION #3: brake, or swerve? (result: correct!)
I had perfect visibility of the traffic I was merging into, picked an ideal spot, and had just gotten up to speed (50mph for this freeway) when I noticed the Lincoln DID NOT ENTER THE FREEWAY. Instead of merging, it had come to a dead stop at the end of the entrance ramp. Braking AND swerving is always the wrong move. My swerving choices were (1) into freeway traffic, or (2) between the Lincoln and a cement barrier (no shoulder). I decided to brake; again, no traffic behind me.

DECISION #4: bail, or stay on the bike? (result: correct!)
I did not lock up either tire - I executed the stop perfectly! Except that I was 1/88th of a second too late: I estimate that my stopping distance was 12-18 inches too long. I had never before made a decision about how I was going to go into a collision, so this part was brand new for me. I decided to stay on the bike, hit the rear bumper straight on, and brace myself to keep the bike upright if I could hit the Lincoln slowly enough.

SIDE NOTE: there was a split second at this moment when my mind went elsewhere. My life didn't flash before my eyes, but my calendar did. I had a single, half formed thought that I couldn't afford the time it was going to take to deal with this crash this week (I'm a first year law student and fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu**ing busy). I was about 5 feet from the Lincoln at this point.

EPILOGE: The Lincoln pulled forward. Not by much, but by enough, and literally at the last possible second. I stopped within 6 inches of his bumper. I have no idea why he moved: did he see me approaching? Did he hear my Vance and Hines pipes? When he eventually merged onto the freeway, was he ever even aware that I was behind him or that he could have killed someone?

Again: no traffic behind me.

THE RIDER:

• 32 and have been riding since age 10 - every sibling and both parents ride
• I don't own a car, the Harley is my only vehicle
• average 10-15K miles a season
• took a Rider Safety Course once, about 7 years ago
• been to 27 US states, rode to Sturgis, ridden through LA, Boston, DC, NYC, Houston, and many, many more major cities

THE BIKE:

• 2009 Dyna Street Bob, no ABS
• Tires:
  2,000 mile old rear skins (Michelin Commander II)
  5,000 mile old front skins (stock, treads will last the rest of this season)
• Brakes:
  both pads are more than 50% worn, not ready to swap as of 2,000 miles ago
  I have not bled my brakes in 3 years (~30,000 miles)
  .

 

Nice writeup, you made the right decision in hindsight. Harleys aren't known for their stopping ability. Congrats on dodging a bullet!

 

So only one skidmark then? It'll wash out.

 

Good result. Angel on your shoulder perhaps?

People getting onto the freeway do stupid things. I've had my share of close encounters with those that simply do NOT know how to merge.

I think I'd just throw them drawers in the trash my friend!

 

CODE BROWN....That's some funny ****
Same thing happened to me on a ramp,But 4 wheels.Ending up just tapping the car.Little dent in truck lid.4 people put in back claims.All horseshit.
I payed a 5 yr. surcharge.All rear accidents are the crasher's fault.No excesses.It's the way the law is written.
Not attacking poster...**** can happen to quick

 

Count your lucky stars. I expect you learned something today and it didn't take the lump out of your wallet to do it. You handled it pretty well under the circumstances.

In NC if you hit somebody in the rear it is your fault. Period.

Yeah, new drawers are in order. Maybe hang those in the garage as a reminder. Or maybe not.

 

Nice save.

My only thought is on "decision #2", where I disagree with the inference of deciding what one thing to pay attention to. Never stop scanning. Always keep your head on a swivel.

 

The only code brown I ever had was on a return trip from NJ to FL this past year. I think I had one to many Starbucks at a rest stop and I had to constantly find a rest area the next hour or so of travel! I'm fine! I'm fine! I'm fine! Oh gosh - no I'm not!!

 

We have a lot of those ramps around my area some you have to stop some you yield . I do see many accidents at these spots .One thing I always do really don't know if it is right or wrong but I watch the vehicle in front of me until he goes . I do check the traffic but my main concern is the car in front of me .Like said never stop scanning .
I slow down or increase my speed according to the guy in front of me . I also do not follow to close give them plenty of room . In your case he got out of view and when you came around corner he was stopped and Dyna has crappy brakes. Did you use both brakes ?Why the guy stop who knows . You and I will learn from that and just assume guy is stopped around the corner . Glad nothing came of it . I wish Harley would put dual discs brakes in front on all there bikes ,really makes a big difference in stopping distance.

 

I honestly thought this was going to be a thread asking where to stop on the free way to take an emergency ****. Lol glad to see it ended up alright.