Almost got hit by a car

[RolliePollie]

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!

[Starfish]

Oh, Sara, I'm so glad you ARE alive tonight! 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!

[KnottedYet]

187 posts vs. 5,000 something.

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

[sbctwin]

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 ) 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

[mimitabby]

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!

[coyote]

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.

[Jiffer]

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!)

[pooks]

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

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.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

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.

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

[jandmw]

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.