Wreck 2
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Anderson, SC
Uhhhhh sorry but if no one hit anyone then the guy did nothing wrong. If for some reason he had to stand on his brakes then thats his right. Evidently he seen something to cause him to jump on the brakes. You evidently were still too close and not looking 3 cars ahead. If you could not see past the truck then you double your follow distance and do your best to get out from behind him. He may not even know you went down then as lots of peoples dont always check their mirrors. The more this plays out the more it sounds like this one is your fault. Too many guys ride bikes like they drive their cars, can't do that. All the same I am sorry your daughter had to go down too. I rode alot with both my son and daughter on the back and would have really felt terrible is something happened to them. Hope you both heal fast. In the future always try to have a way around an object, steer your way out of trouble and stay off the brakes. Standing on the brakes is one of the worst things you can do on a bike. To avoid it extend your follow distances, always expect that cage to stop suddenly for no reason at all, or expect them to turn left in front of you, expect them to cut you off, expect them to back out of their driveways in front of you cause they will all the time while making eye contact with you. I watch guys all the time when they come up on an intersection or someone waiting to pull out and they never even tap their brakes much less back off the gas and most cases wont even look sideways at the cage that is probably gonna hit them. So if you get back on the bike just remember cages are out there with one purpose and that is to run you over.
To the OP, I hope you and your daughter heal quickly and they catch the SOB that caused your accident.
Sorry to hear about this accident...the problem with texting and cell phones while driving has become a real issue for law enforcement. And it's only getting worse!
Heal fast and get back on your bike...take care!
Steve
Heal fast and get back on your bike...take care!
Steve
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
I had a similar accident just over a year ago. So I can see it from your point and I also don't agree with you too. You stated that anyone can hit their brake for any reason and it would be your fault if you wreck or hit them from behind. I don't agree. I was riding in traffic 3 car lengths from the car in front of me going 45 to 50 miles an hour. A white truck pulled ahead of me, I started to slow anticipating that he would cut me off and he did. Leaving me less than 1 car length between me and him and he immediately slammed on his brakes. No where to go and to avoid hitting him from behind, I hard braked and wrecked with similar injuries to the OP. Not my fault and nothing I could have done to prevent it. It was less than 1 second from the time that the truck cut me off to the time he slammed on brakes. So it was his fault and he did not stop. I was doing the right thing and the individual that left the scene of my accident violated multiple laws in the State of Ga. Granted if I would have hit the truck it would have probally worked out better for my insurance company but would have injured me more or killed me during the process. So not all situations are due to the rider not riding properly or not paying attention it could be that cages could care less if we are there or not.
To the OP, I hope you and your daughter heal quickly and they catch the SOB that caused your accident.
To the OP, I hope you and your daughter heal quickly and they catch the SOB that caused your accident.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: michigan
I had a similar accident just over a year ago. So I can see it from your point and I also don't agree with you too. You stated that anyone can hit their brake for any reason and it would be your fault if you wreck or hit them from behind. I don't agree. I was riding in traffic 3 car lengths from the car in front of me going 45 to 50 miles an hour. A white truck pulled ahead of me, I started to slow anticipating that he would cut me off and he did. Leaving me less than 1 car length between me and him and he immediately slammed on his brakes. No where to go and to avoid hitting him from behind, I hard braked and wrecked with similar injuries to the OP. Not my fault and nothing I could have done to prevent it. It was less than 1 second from the time that the truck cut me off to the time he slammed on brakes. So it was his fault and he did not stop. I was doing the right thing and the individual that left the scene of my accident violated multiple laws in the State of Ga. Granted if I would have hit the truck it would have probally worked out better for my insurance company but would have injured me more or killed me during the process. So not all situations are due to the rider not riding properly or not paying attention it could be that cages could care less if we are there or not.
To the OP, I hope you and your daughter heal quickly and they catch the SOB that caused your accident.
To the OP, I hope you and your daughter heal quickly and they catch the SOB that caused your accident.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Anderson, SC
Not really, At about 45 mph the 3 car lengths is about a 2 second interval which is ideal (according to the MSF) and was correct for the day that my accident occurred. And in all honestly it would not have mattered how much distance I had between me and the guy in front of me cause he didn't cause my accident it was the guy that cut me off and slammed on his brakes with less than a car length from me.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 983
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
45mph = 66 ft per sec
Not really, At about 45 mph the 3 car lengths is about a 2 second interval which is ideal (according to the MSF) and was correct for the day that my accident occurred. And in all honestly it would not have mattered how much distance I had between me and the guy in front of me cause he didn't cause my accident it was the guy that cut me off and slammed on his brakes with less than a car length from me.
A 2 second following distance would be 132 ft
or 7.92 2011 Chevrolet Impalas (200.4 inches)
So 3 car lengths would be 50.1 ft
This is less that half the recommended safe following distance.
Last edited by vzts4q; Jun 9, 2011 at 09:07 PM. Reason: added math
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
It states in the driving manual, 1 car length per 10 mph, or used to.. but with todays cars , disc brakes multiple piston calipers vented rotors, these cars will stop well.
Now people tend to dive toward the shoulder.
This is why these accidents happen too often, you maintain your speed, if you doing 40-45, you have a 4.5 car length space in front of you, car cuts in at a high rate of speed, well he is forced to shut his speed down and panic, no room to stop for the trailing car....but every wants to say it's the one who made contact to the IDIOT who cut in the line...
Now people tend to dive toward the shoulder.
This is why these accidents happen too often, you maintain your speed, if you doing 40-45, you have a 4.5 car length space in front of you, car cuts in at a high rate of speed, well he is forced to shut his speed down and panic, no room to stop for the trailing car....but every wants to say it's the one who made contact to the IDIOT who cut in the line...
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Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
We used to call em Trolls...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,356
Likes: 8
From: Roswell, NM
Sorry to hear that. I'm glad your both alive, and wish you both a speedy recovery. Bike can be fixed, had the same thing minus passenger happen to me 4 weeks ago, but I was fortunate to only have two small ankle fractures. Bike will be showroom ready in a few weeks. My prayers to you and your daughter.