Nearly got wiped out!

Fuddymumpster · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 24 Jan 2004 Karma :

Just on a nice relaxing ride this evening and this car driver decides to pull straight out in front of me - I had to take avoiding action by breaking and going around him. This really annoyed me because all that would have happened to his car would be a damaged wing whilst I would possibly end have ended up in AE.

I slowed right down and allowed to car to pass me, I was going to give him a piece of my mind at that point but to his credit he slowed down, beeped his horn and apologised.

As I am still sort of new to biking I was wondering if this sort of near miss accident is what happens to all bikers in general. Has anyone else nearly been wiped out and if so how did you calm yourself down again. As I say I am new to bikes and that was the first time were I was nearly in bother. For the record I was going below the speed limit and was paying attention!

Moan over!! Evil or Very Mad

Ian (GPX) · Brolly Dolly Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Karma :

Thats .........

'He looks but did not see type of car driver.'

You have to watch out for these type of drivers, ride with this in mind 100% of the time.

Never ever think that a driver has seen you, cos some don't and some that do see you think 'it's OK, he will slow down'.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Just to let you know that has happened to me ... probably on a weekly basis. You just have to be aware and ready at all times and don't forget your observation. Its also good to make yourself seen in your lane IE when passing a junction on the left move over to the right of your lane etc.

This also gives you more options for evasive action!

Don't take it personally and learn from it!

Welcome to the world of bikes Wink

!
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Danny · Ask Me About Stoppie School Joined: 26 Jan 2003 Karma :

This happens a lot to me, I find that leaving a sizable gap between the car in front helps keep me alive. Smile

Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

Positioning is important - you should always ride just to the left of the centreline on straight roads unless there is oncoming traffic. This is especially important when approaching a junction on the left where you may be forced to split the lane by oncoming traffic but still be as far right as is safe.

The only time you should ride to the left of the lane is on teh approach to right hand bends - this is not to set you up for the racing line which leads to blind apexing but to giv eyou maximum view around a corner. This does not apply when there is a juction to the left on approach to aright hander which may have traffic emerging.

Be ready on the brakes at the approach to junctions and I find it helps pyscholigally to try and make eye contact with the driver of the approaching vehicle - obviously this isn't practical at speed but if you're gonna speed past busy junctions with the worong road position then hey - book yer bed in A&E now.

Car drivers are stupid and lazy. I know this for a fact because I am one. It may well be his fault but it is YOUR responsibility to your own safety not to let him knock you off.

Do some advanced training - it's well worth it
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187.3bhp = 201mph

headlamp · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Karma :

Happens all the time in London! As something like 1 in 4 cars here is a BMW or Mercedes the drivers in them drive oblivious to anyone and anything else on the road. Having said that, I was nearly swiped by a Peugot outside the BBC yesterday. The key thing is not to get angry! You will lose focus and concentration which I find is a very dangerous thing to do when riding!
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Using a mobile phone while driving a car should be made a capital offence!

carvell · Scuttler Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Karma :

As most other people have said - it happens all the time.

Pretty much the same thing happened to me this morning, but it happens so often that it's no issue, you just avoid the car and get on with life.

Just make sure you are on the look out, at the very least reading some advanced riding books.

It all adds up to help keep you alive.
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Yamaha TDM 850

Chuck100 · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Karma :

Also keep an eye out whilst filtering past stationary traffic for people who decide to do a u-turn without looking or indicating - I know as I've been on both sides of that equation - as a car driver you're thinking 'sod this, I'm going a different route' and start turning the wheels and go, without looking. As a bike rider, someone made that same decision. Luckily I was able to stop, so I gave him a piece of my mind. Good thing to look out for when filtering is the angle of the front wheels of the cars in stationary traffic as it can sometimes give an indication of the driver's intent.
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I shall see you, sir, upon the hustings

Ian (GPX) · Brolly Dolly Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Karma :

Also watch out for car doors that might open on you, parked cars in narrow road.

Riding along two days ago, saw a car pull over and the driver just opened the door without looking. Evil or Very Mad