Close Call Today - What would you do?
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 246
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From: Southeast MI
Close Call Today - What would you do?
It never ceases to amaze me how oblivious most people are. I was riding in the left lane and as I approached an intersection, I saw a car coming from the right. I just got that feeling that the car was going to pull out. Sure enough she decided to pull out right as I came into the intersection. Obviously one lane wasn't enough for her, so as she turned she pulled directly into my lane. I swerved left and gave a little gas. She missed me by about 4 inches. I stopped, stood up, yelled a few choice things at her, and went on my way. This isn't the first time this has happened, and it won't be the last. WTF is wrong with these people? What do you do when this happens to you?
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 17
From: Rosamond, Cali
We can't take such stuff 'personal', and get wrapped up in that. It doesn't matter who causes an accident, you, or them. You're just as screwed either way. Best to pour your efforts into prevention, including listening to your instincts as you did in this case. When I'm in traffic, I'm constantly on-guard, planning escape routes, using other cars as shields, anticipating 'pull outs' (like the one you just had), etc. It's work. As for reacting to stupidity, here's a story. Guy (on a bike) is following a car on the freeway. For no reason, the guy in the car slams on his brakes. Biker nearly rear ends car, but avoids it. Biker pulls up around the guy in left lane, decides to kick the driver's door in to teach a lesson. In the act of kicking the door in, the pickup in the lane in front of the bike slams on HIS brakes. Biker, whose attention is firmly fixed on kicking the "a-hole's" door in, winds up in the truck bed...
In cases like this, best to let bygones be bygones, and keep your attention out for the other threats that remain.
Glad you came out ok.
Alan
In cases like this, best to let bygones be bygones, and keep your attention out for the other threats that remain.
Glad you came out ok.
Alan
Last edited by AlanStansbery; Jul 8, 2011 at 09:33 PM.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 6
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From:
What else can you do? I had a SUV come up on me recently and get closer and closer and.. I put my hand out and down in a "back off" motion and slightly put the brake on just enough to light up the brake lights, I was still under power. They got closer, I mean like 15' or 20' at 40mph if the car in front of me had to slam on the brakes and I would've had to brake, they'd have been right into me ... Yes I'll admit it, I felt the Rage, Road Rage. I turned and shook my fist and was yelling "back the F OFF!!!". My bad, took my eye's off the road for an instant (the car in front of me could have braked as I looked away), all was well as I kept going and they turned off right after.. man, I don't like getting that pi$$ed (I'm feeling it again just typing this), but I don't like being tail gated either... 3 yrs ago this month I had a car run me off the road, spent 4 months in the hosp and didn't walk completely on my own for a year, I'm lucky to be walking let alone riding. I love being on the bike. I guess that's why we all keep twisting the throttle knowing every time we head out most likely somebody is gonna do something stupid and we as riders better be ready. Am I a little more scared now, yeah, I am, but I need to ride, I need to keep my cool and I need to assume no one can see me.
Peace
Peace
