Almost got hit by a car

I've been trying to get myself to post less here on TE because I think I'm getting addicted or something. But then things happen or I have more questions and I just can't control myself!

Anyway, tonight I almost got hit by a car. This is the closest encounter I've had with a car so far. I was going about 30 mph and this lady in an SUV decided to turn left into her gravel driveway right in front of me. I couldn't believe she was actually turning...then I realized she WAS turning...then I screamed NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! at the top of my lungs as I slammed on the brakes...I can't believe I didn't go into a skid and crash. I don't know if she saw the look on my face or heard me screaming or what, but thank goodness, she finally stopped. Her front bumper was nearly on the white line (on my side of the road) and I think there might have been 18" between me and her right fender as I went by. Then I instinctively turned back towards her and yelled "YOU BLEEPING B****!!!!"

Afterwards, I got that nice adrenaline rush where your body feels like it weighs 500 pounds and you're shaking like a leaf. I also had kind of an amusing thought...I wonder if anyone was out BBQ-ing in their yard and suddenly heard a woman screaming bloody murder...and then that same woman yelling obscenities! I hope the driver was scared as bad as I was. I guess there's a chance she didn't see me, but I was wearing fluorescent orange and she was driving away from the sun, so I don't see how she could've missed me. Because of the speed involved, I think if she hadn't stopped, I could've been killed. So I'm very glad to be alive tonight!

Oh, Sara, I'm so glad you ARE alive tonight! :eek: I had a close call about a month ago, and I know how very scary that is. I also know from experience that a variety of things can come out of our mouths under adrenaline stress! Really glad you're OK.

And, um, only you can know if you're posting "too much." Let your conscience be your guide! :p

187 posts vs. 5,000 something.

Umm.... I don't think YOU'RE posting too much...:D

I am glad you survived your encounter. I had a very close call about a month ago. I was coming down a hill and had a green light and was in the intersection when a woman decided to make a right hand turn. She came to the intersection and I knew right away that she wasn't really looking and made the turn. I screamed (as you did, probably using the same explitives:D ) and she stopped after her turn. Of course I had to brake hard and when she stopped, I almost ended up on her trunk over my handlebars. It took my breath away. I really had a hard time breathing and just started pedaling to move forward. Not half a mile from there, some jerk decided I was going slow enough that he could make a left had turn in front of me:( I got home and I swear for a week, I had difficulty breathing deep. I wondered out loud if I was wearing a sign that said "HIT ME".

I think these types of situations make us aware, even more, of our vulnerability on a bike and I ride much more defensively. Because I commute to work, I am very aware of cars and ride defensively...this just brings the need to not slip into complacency because you haven't had a 'close encounter' for a bit:cool:

Just because a speed limit is 30mph doesn't mean 30mph is safe for a bike too.
Know your own limits, how fast can you stop? because you have to assume they can't see you.
I have to have really good clearance and visibility to let my bike go past 20mph in the city.

Glad no one is hurt!

Glad you're OK. I've had a couple of really close encounters. Believe it or not I've almost been side swiped twice. I think that sometimes motorist do not pay attention. I'm sure the advent of the cell phone has not helped. Good thing you were paying attention.

Wow... a close one! Glad you are okay. Let's all be careful out there.

I can't judge your particular situation not having been there, but I don't think I'll ever go 30mph on a street with traffic. Cars just can't *ever* be trusted. I'm sort of a speed weenie anyway so my fastest speed has been 25mph in a car-free park.

Yikes - scary!! No close calls for me yet (because I haven't been riding very long). I ride a motorcycle, though, so I'm used to eyeballing all the cars and assuming they're all out to squash me.

Glad you're OK!

I think that most drivers don't realize we are going as fast as we are. They remember crusing around on their bikes as kids going 8 mph....not 20 mph. I kind of enjoy the looks on their faces when they pull out in front of you and then watch in their rear view mirror as you stay on their bumper (but not too close) all the way to the next traffic light and then pull up beside them. :D

Wow, Sara, I'm glad you're ok! Scary!

I'm so glad you're OK! Scary as it was- you escaped injury-free (whew! ;) ).

I, too, have been known to scream some unrepeatable expletives when drivers do stupid things. I get caught in the moment and it's the first thing that escapes from my mouth (although the reasonable and calm side of me wishes it wouldn't). :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by rij73

Wow... a close one! Glad you are okay. Let's all be careful out there.

I can't judge your particular situation not having been there, but I don't think I'll ever go 30mph on a street with traffic. Cars just can't *ever* be trusted. I'm sort of a speed weenie anyway so my fastest speed has been 25mph in a car-free park.

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I was also contemplating my speed and wondering if I need to slow down in general. But this was a rural road...virtually no traffic, no stop signs for miles, no signals at all. This lady just decided to turn in front of me. So really, although 30 mph is kind of fast, it was just my coasting speed. Where I ride, it's usually 4-8 mph up the hills and 25-35 down. I don't want to ride my brakes all the time, but there usually aren't any cars. The light traffic is one of the things I love about riding around here. I counted the other day and on a 20+ mile ride, I was passed by only 9 cars! The problem is, even with only 9 cars, you can never trust what a driver might do! I'm not brave enough to ride anywhere with heavy traffic, signals, etc. I want to ride to work, but the 1 mile or so on an actual street with traffic is too scary for me right now. I think my top speed there would be about 5 mph!

If anything, since this was really my first close call, it's a good dose of reality for me. I'll definitely be more aware. And I'll continue to wear my bright colored clothing!!!

I'm really glad you're okay. I had a close call with a bus recently in similar circumstances and that's really scary.

If the roads you ride on are quiet, I might suggest, based on no documented evidence except my own experience, riding on the car lane rather than on the shoulder if you're riding at that speed, especially going downhill. It will protect you from cars coming out of driveways. There are also a lot more chances that you will be where the drivers of incoming cars are actually looking for traffic (fast traffic is not expected on the road side), and seeing you in the lane might impress in their minds the idea that you're going faster. Riding in the lane and being seen (coupled with wearing bright clothes) allows you, among other things, to send a STOP signal to the drivers (by extending your arm forward with your hand perpendicular to the ground, like a traffic cop). Most drivers react quite well to that and will usually stop, if only because that signal is quite universally understood to mean STOP. By the time they have thought about it, you're long gone. I think they'll be thankful that you took the decision for them when they see you flying by.

If cars are coming behind you while you're on their lane, either they have ample space to pass you on the left, or you'll be gracious enough to move to the shoulder as soon as you hear them. When I do take the lane, I follow the trick given by some wise lady from TE, namely dividing the lane in three in my mind, and riding on the imaginary line between the middle third and the right-side third.

It was also a GREAT idea to scream at the top of your lungs. Not the time to be shy!!!

Keep the rubber side down, ride safely ladies!

Grog makes a good point--take the lane. I read somehwere, and I believe it was actually on the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles site, not just a defensive bicyling site, that if you are travelling "close" to the speed of traffic (and, on a small rural road 30 is pretty close to 35) you should take the full lane. The reasoning was that if you are travelling that fast, drivers need to really treat you like a car when they pass, not just as a slow moving vehicle. By taking the lane, you're telling them, "hey, I'm moving pretty close to your speed. Pass me as if I'm a car."

Oh, and the hand-wave, "STOP". Yeah, that works. I have a stretch of road where I like to go fast (OK, fast for *me* :)). There is one intersection where cars turn onto the road. I watch that intersection closely and always insist on eye contact (or I hit the brakes). One guy was on his cell and didn't acknowledge me. I raised on waved my right hand--a great big, full arm wave. He looked up. He stopped. I liken it to the puffer fish--sometimes swimming along in bright colors isn't enough--a big arm wave makes me look bigger.

A great thought that helps (besides "I am the Queen of the road," which Eden pointed out earlier this week) is thinking: "I am a tractor, I am a tractor" (only faster in this case).

Cars go around tractors, for some reason, and don't get impatient. Behave like one and it seems to have the same effect. :D

Grog makes some really good points.

Also, how could you have actually been going 30mph at the place where the lady suddenly turned in front of you?? Hadn't you already slowed way down in preparation for your own turn there at the same place? Surely you weren't going to take the turn at 30mph?
(I know, I know, and don't call you Shirley....) ;)

Whenever I am entering into a potentially hazardous situation I tend to take the lane if it will help me stay safe. I also wear screaming yellow neon tops and that helps.

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

Grog makes some really good points.

Also, how could you have actually been going 30mph at the place where the lady suddenly turned in front of you?? Hadn't you already slowed way down in preparation for your own turn there at the same place? Surely you weren't going to take the turn at 30mph?
(I know, I know, and don't call you Shirley....) ;)

Whenever I am entering into a potentially hazardous situation I tend to take the lane if it will help me stay safe. I also wear screaming yellow neon tops and that helps.

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Lisa, I wasn't turning...I was just continuing on straight down the road. That's why I was just lettin' it roll. The car was turning left, across the road in front of me, into a driveway on my side of the street. I saw that she had her left turn signal on, but she was stopped, seemingly waiting for me to pass in the opposite direction. There weren't any cars coming up behind me, so it appeared that the only reason she'd be stopped there was to let me go by. I think she probably mis-judged how fast I was going and decided she could make her turn before I got there. She was wrong!!!

Grog - you do make some excellent points! One thing I had never thought of is putting my hand up to indicate to a car that I want it to stop. I'm so glad you brought that up! I'm going to do that from now on, even if it doesn't seem like it's necessary. This driver has proven to me that things are not always what they seem!

I do usually take the lane when I'm going that fast. In this case, I was out in the lane probably about 3-4 feet. Many times I have no other choice than to take the lane...most of the roads here don't have shoulders, and the roads are in such terrible condition that typically I need to try and ride out in the lane to avoid potholes and torn up pavement that seem to be more prevalent towards the edge of the road. The best pavement usually seems to be closer to the yellow line...like where your driver's side tire would be in a car. I have a helmet mirror, so I almost always see cars coming up behind me, and then I'll move over.

I like the idea of acting like a tractor. Do they sell John Deere jerseys? :)

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Originally Posted by sara

I like the idea of acting like a tractor. Do they sell John Deere jerseys? :)

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ummm they used to sponser a U23 development team, though I can't seem to find anything about it nowadays - maybe you could get an old jersey.....

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Originally Posted by sara

I like the idea of acting like a tractor. Do they sell John Deere jerseys? :)

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Actually they do.

The auction was over and I could only recover the image from the Google archive. But keep your eyes open for them! I also saw kids helmets.

I bet she didn't see you. Motorists are so used to looking for other vehicles, they just miss us little cyclists sometime, bright colors and all. It could also be that she saw you but couldn't fathom that you could be going as fast as you were and figured she had plenty of time to turn in front of you.

Either way, I'm so glad you're alright. :) I know what you mean about the addiction to this board. It's all part of staying addicted to cycling which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned! The more support and enthusiasm you get to keep riding, keeps you riding and getting more and more fit!

(But I suppose it can get a little out of hand if our hungry kids are eating cereal for dinner while we type away!)

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Originally Posted by sara

Lisa, I wasn't turning...I was just continuing on straight down the road. That's why I was just lettin' it roll. The car was turning left, across the road in front of me, into a driveway on my side of the street. I saw that she had her left turn signal on, but she was stopped, seemingly waiting for me to pass in the opposite direction. There weren't any cars coming up behind me, so it appeared that the only reason she'd be stopped there was to let me go by. I think she probably mis-judged how fast I was going and decided she could make her turn before I got there. She was wrong!!!

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Oh I get it now...I thought she was coming from behind you and turning to the right in front of you at your same turnoff.
In fact, she may not have seen you at all, and might have stopped simply to check a map direction before turning, or to push a cell phone or CD button. People are weird. I always assume drivers do not see me. I often wave or point my intention to cars as I approach a situation like this- half the time they'll wave me on and I'll then feel safe. If they don't wave back or give me a "go" hand signal, I slow down and get ready to stop and I quickly plot an escape route. Yes, rearview mirrors are good- especially when you have 2 seconds to concoct an escape route. :)

I know it sounds perhaps like I am too cautious a rider, but... if I was coming down a hill at 30mph and saw a car stopped ahead in the oncoming lane with their left turn signal on, there's no way I would pass that car even though they were stopped. I would begin to come to a stop until I knew for sure that they were seeing me coming and were waving at me to go ahead. Assumptions are always deadly when it's bike vs. car.

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

I know it sounds perhaps like I am too cautious a rider, but... if I was coming down a hill at 30mph and saw a car stopped ahead in the oncoming lane with their left turn signal on, there's no way I would pass that car even though they were stopped. I would begin to come to a stop until I knew for sure that they were seeing me coming and were waving at me to go ahead. Assumptions are always deadly when it's bike vs. car.

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That's a really good point, Lisa. I need to rethink my car vs. bike philosophy a bit. It's not like it's a trivial thing...if I get hit by a car at a speed like that, I'm dead. Or I'd be wishing I was dead because my injuries would be so serious. It's not like I'm in a hurry to get somewhere. I'm just out there to have fun and get some exercise! By the way, I had a great 32 mile ride today...no close encounters...and I tried out the "halt" signal with one car. For what it's worth, they did stay stopped, so that was good.

Lately, just driving around in the car has been terrifying...I think people around here have forgotten how to drive. The other day, I almost got in 3 car wrecks within just a few miles. And it's not me! I swear! It's other drivers crossing over the yellow line onto my side of the street, running stop signs, and generally driving like morons.

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Originally Posted by sara

That's a really good point, Lisa. I need to rethink my car vs. bike philosophy a bit. It's not like it's a trivial thing...if I get hit by a car at a speed like that, I'm dead. Or I'd be wishing I was dead because my injuries would be so serious. It's not like I'm in a hurry to get somewhere. I'm just out there to have fun and get some exercise! By the way, I had a great 32 mile ride today...no close encounters...and I tried out the "halt" signal with one car. For what it's worth, they did stay stopped, so that was good.

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Hey I did exactly a 32 mile ride today as well! You and I were probably riding at the same time! :)

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Lately, just driving around in the car has been terrifying...I think people around here have forgotten how to drive. The other day, I almost got in 3 car wrecks within just a few miles. And it's not me! I swear! It's other drivers crossing over the yellow line onto my side of the street, running stop signs, and generally driving like morons.

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I suspect cells phones account for a lot of that meandering irratic driving. It's scary.
Speaking of scary, I saw two boys looking about 11 years old on mountain bikes in town today, speeding down the street leaping on and off the sidewalk over and over, dodging between parked cars, IN TRAFFIC, no helmets, talking on cell phones all the while. :(

Stay safe, friend. :) :)

I'm glad you're ok... Interesting point about the "stop" hand signal. But how can you brake quickly and effectively with only one hand?

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

...Speaking of scary, I saw two boys looking about 11 years old on mountain bikes in town today, speeding down the street leaping on and off the sidewalk over and over, dodging between parked cars, IN TRAFFIC, no helmets, talking on cell phones all the while. :(

Stay safe, friend. :) :)

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Uh Huh. 11. So in just three years they can be out there learning to drive. In just five they can be driving a big, heavy, and very likely speeding car on the road. And they may have no more sense then than they do now :eek:

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Originally Posted by Jiffer

(But I suppose it can get a little out of hand if our hungry kids are eating cereal for dinner while we type away!)

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Wait. THIS is a problem, too?!?

The things I learn reading these boards. First I find out I'm not supposed to throw plates at my husband's head, and now this?

Sigh.

Y'all have too many rules.

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Originally Posted by pooks

Wait. THIS is a problem, too?!?

The things I learn reading these boards. First I find out I'm not supposed to throw plates at my husband's head, and now this?

Sigh.

Y'all have too many rules.

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Don't panic, Pooks. I grew up having cereal for dinner, and I turned out ok! :rolleyes:

So glad you are ok! There was a bike accident recently in my area where a drunk lady hit 3 people on bikes and killed one of them. 3!!! How do you not see 3 people on bikes in a group, drunk or not?!?! Worst part, she is out of jail 2 days later! Ugh! If she would have shot them with a gun she would not be out! I count my blessings we have a nice bike trail where I live which is somewhat safer. :confused: