Please read (accident)
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: RIO GRANDE, TEXAS
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 275
From: Milton, Delaware
Good reminder, thanks!
That kind of stuff happens all the time in my area. I've become very used to watching traffic that is/might be behind that lead car. I also try to maintain a lane position that allows me to see the drivers face in his mirrors. If I can see his, then my reasoning is that he at least will see my three front lights.
That kind of stuff happens all the time in my area. I've become very used to watching traffic that is/might be behind that lead car. I also try to maintain a lane position that allows me to see the drivers face in his mirrors. If I can see his, then my reasoning is that he at least will see my three front lights.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 96
From: Eastern North Carolina
Unit# 1 was stopped at the intersection waiting to turn left onto main highway. Me and unit #2 were traveling west bound on main highway. I was about 50 yards behind unit#2 on the inside lane traveling at about 65 mph.
As you can see on the diagram unit#1 line of sight and my location at that time prevented him from seeing me. There were also no other car behind us. Unit #2 turned his right turning signal and started to slow down to make his right turn. At this point driver of unit#1 decided to enter the intersection figuring there were no other vehicle on the roadway.
I saw what was happening and started to apply the brakes and a slow right steer. I could hear me rear tire start to screech and the bike start to slide left. I released the rear brake a little, straighten the bike and went around unit#1 (all was well).
A very important factor in this incident was not my driving skills but the fact that the driver of unit#1 never saw me and never stopped or slowed down. I think that if he would have seen me, he would have panicked, braked in the middle of the highway, and i would have never had the chance to go around him on the right.
I have been aware of this type of accident for many years because i was a police officer for 12 year and have investigated several of them. Many of you are probably aware of this type of situation. I have had several friends (not on mc) involved in this type of accident.
I was very upset not at the driver of unit #1 but at me for not paying attention. A split second of brain idle while driving and things can go wrong very fast.
So take care and be aware of this type of situation. It happens very often (just watch).
As you can see on the diagram unit#1 line of sight and my location at that time prevented him from seeing me. There were also no other car behind us. Unit #2 turned his right turning signal and started to slow down to make his right turn. At this point driver of unit#1 decided to enter the intersection figuring there were no other vehicle on the roadway.
I saw what was happening and started to apply the brakes and a slow right steer. I could hear me rear tire start to screech and the bike start to slide left. I released the rear brake a little, straighten the bike and went around unit#1 (all was well).
A very important factor in this incident was not my driving skills but the fact that the driver of unit#1 never saw me and never stopped or slowed down. I think that if he would have seen me, he would have panicked, braked in the middle of the highway, and i would have never had the chance to go around him on the right.
I have been aware of this type of accident for many years because i was a police officer for 12 year and have investigated several of them. Many of you are probably aware of this type of situation. I have had several friends (not on mc) involved in this type of accident.
I was very upset not at the driver of unit #1 but at me for not paying attention. A split second of brain idle while driving and things can go wrong very fast.
So take care and be aware of this type of situation. It happens very often (just watch).
Novice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Central Illinois
Flipbel, nice post and a very good reminder for us. Glad you are good to go after this mess. I've handled at least a dozen crashes that took place the same way. Awesome crash diagram too! Stay safe. TM
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 28
From: Kokomo, IN
I thought when I clicked on this thread, why do I want to read about a crash. But your diagram made it worthwhile. Thanks for sharing your experience and adding this to my memory bank as something to watch out for.
Kokomo
Kokomo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
Flip, good write up. I like to ride in the left lane, a little faster than traffic flow. That way I am not in blind spots for long. I watch all the traffic, and use all the road and prefer acceleration over panic braking.
In your diagram, with no opposing traffic, my primary exit strategy would be accelerating into the opposing traffic turning lane. This way I can escape regardless of turning cars reaction.
Of course this strategy doesn't work if distracted and unsure of placement of all players. Scary sometimes. Thanks for the reminder.
In your diagram, with no opposing traffic, my primary exit strategy would be accelerating into the opposing traffic turning lane. This way I can escape regardless of turning cars reaction.
Of course this strategy doesn't work if distracted and unsure of placement of all players. Scary sometimes. Thanks for the reminder.
Last edited by Ron750; Jan 27, 2013 at 01:33 AM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 705
Likes: 8
From: southern IL
"THEY ARE ALL OUT TO KILL ME!"
This is my thought process as I get on the bike every single time. I ride aggressive, and am not afraid to hammer the throttle to get out of a bad situation. I too like to ride a little faster than traffic and I like to be in front, because only about 20% of the threats come from behind (according to my motorcycle safety instructor in 1991). This "wacko bizzarro thinking", according to my wife, has kept me alive and out of the hospital for a long time and counting.
This is my thought process as I get on the bike every single time. I ride aggressive, and am not afraid to hammer the throttle to get out of a bad situation. I too like to ride a little faster than traffic and I like to be in front, because only about 20% of the threats come from behind (according to my motorcycle safety instructor in 1991). This "wacko bizzarro thinking", according to my wife, has kept me alive and out of the hospital for a long time and counting.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 610
Likes: 82
From: Indiana
Excellent safety moment. This is an incredibly dangerous scenario for a bike. I was in my cage in the "unit 1"position once and saw the "unit 2" vehicle in a right turn lane with right turn signal on and clearly slowing down to turn right. For a brief moment I considered whether to pull out (I was actually turning right) and as is my normal custom I did not. Thank goodness I did not because there was a bike right in that exact blind spot. Very key learning for me in my cage and for when I am on the bike. A big space cushion is indeed your “life space”.
Last edited by dakotared; Jan 27, 2013 at 08:54 AM.