Closest i have come to a very nasty accident

[Darth]

Was out seeing my parents today, I often go out there early on a Saturday or Sunday while the roads are dead so know the road very well. Coming home about midday, was sat behind 3 cars - one going about 45 with one behind seemingly in no hurry either and a sportier vectra waiting for an overtake opportunity. We get to a straight and I wait until the vectra has made his move as predicted then pass all 3 cars in a oner, probably hitting well into triple figures by the time I have completed my move. After that I let off the throttle as I know there is a crossroads ahead (i am on the A road, B road crossing).
Didn't pay a lot of attention to my actual speed but guess I was about 70-80 as I first started looking at the crossroads. Noticed a red fiesta on the left side of the junction waiting to pull out so I continue slowing gently whilst checking for other hazards. As I get almost to the junction this fiesta just starts pulling out! All happened very fast but I knew i was close enough now that I had no chance of stopping in time, still hoping that the driver would have to notice me soon, now, now, now? Jesus he isn't going to see me, all the while i was edging over the white line to avoid him on that side. Remember briefly thinking about trying to dive to the left and cut behind him but that would likely turn out very badly if he did stop suddenly. Anyway a last minute dive right onto the oncoming lane saw me avoid the collision by what felt like a fraction of an inch, actually felt my trouser leg scuff their bumper! All the time this car was still pulling out on me!
Have had a few close moments over my 3 years riding but this took the biscuit and really shook me up how bad it could have been and how close I had just come to some serious injury.
On reflection later on I also thought about how if it had gone badly then any claim assuming my survival could have been placed on my shoulders as 3 cars behind me would probably only remember how a very loud bike had passed them quickly only moments beforehand. Think my only save would have been vectra dude who I think must have been close enough to see this twat pull out on me.
Anyway, the whole thing really scared the bejesus outta me. That's all really! Watch out for red fiesta and never assume that car isn't going to pull out on you, even if you are on a bright red bike with lights on whilst riding on a beautiful clear day!
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Harold_Shand wrote: I suppose it's like anything, you get your fingers burned when you start out, you learn from it and eventually become a complete arsehole about the whole thing.

[Marmalade]

I do hope you explained the error of their ways to the driver
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Nobby the Bastard: How yo tell the difference between the actual japanese and her just screaming because she's had live fish stuck up her arse? [url=https://www.nicks-shop.co.uk/bcf-goodies-15-c.aspGet BCF stickers and things here[/url] Reflective helmet stickers - Legal requirement in france - Clicky

[Sam_Y_93]

https://media.funlol.com/content/img/cool_story_bro.jpg
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Bikes Past: Yamaha Aerox (sold) Yamaha R125 (written off)
Bikes Current: Honda VFR 400 (awaiting restoration) Honda CB600f F-4
Theory passed July 21st Mod1 passed August 3rd Mod 2 passed 26th August

[Bloke]

I'm wondering how you were going "slowly gently" yet couldnt stop in time.

You were riding too fast for the conditions relying on "i have priority" which does you no good when you're 6 feet under.

Car driver is a twat but you're taking the wrong lesson away from the near miss.
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2008 VFR800 VTEC

[colin1]

[Darth]

[G]

You had your dipped beam on in daytime (I'm presuming it's not full beam)?

Do you realise that this can make it harder for other people to judge speed?
Further, if it's a bumpy road, or you're changing from accelerating to breaking it can very easily look like you're 'flashing' your headlight.
While in the highway code this means "I'm here"; in reality of course it means "you can go".

As ever, my usual suggestion; have a look at 'advanced riding' stuff.
Motorcycle road craft is a good start. Try your local IAM group or consider a 'bike safe' day - though bike safe is just a start which doesn't continue, but worth doing for many.
Oh and Bloke, maybe you should have a look too .

[Darth]

[G]

From a car where you're a bit lower down (bike lights are pretty high compared to most 4 wheelers), it's quite easy for a bike going over a bumpy bit to look like it's 'flashing' it's headlights - as it just needs the 'cut off' point to flick past eye level.
Bikes often move more inches of suspension travel for the same road conditions I'd, with a short wheel base this makes the problem worse too.

Quite possible/likely they didn't see you. Especially if cars behind had headlights on too, quite easy for a bike to disappear.

What's often suggested is to move side to side a bit to get attention, but of course first you have to realise it's a situation you need to.

[L4Isoside]

I think using your horn would have been your best bet, and as soon as you saw him moving our brake firmly as well.

Thankfully you didn't hit him

[calyx]

[ms51ves3]

[Clanger]

I use the horn if people don't appear to see me...give them a right old blast. Sometimes they appear jump out of their skin...so I reckon if in doubt, use it...it's free and it's right under your thumb!!!
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Gone]

Two options: Give up and walk, slowly, or just ride the bike and know they aren't going to get you. If you worry too much, you can't ride.

[colin1]

[MarJay]

[MarJay]

[G]

[Bloke]

[G]

See here:

[-LG-]

Keep the speed limit and more chance of people seeing you, and less chance of something thinking 'I can make it'.

[G]

[Bloke]

[G]

Erm you did notice he said he was slowing gently - that his speed was decreasing, but only decreasing a little?
I don't see how this could specify 'bloody slow'. It might be bloody slow and getting even slower at a gentle pace, or it might be 180mph and getting slower at a gentle pace .
He does specify an actual speed too.

The 'advanced riding' stuff is all about knowing what the situation is and where to put yourself to be in the least danger, so it falls from 'unlucky' to 'bolt falls out of aeroplane and smashes your bike' unlucky levels.

[Bloke]