It's amazing what one doesn't see when one isnt't looking. I really wish the standard question to motorists who say "I didn't see the cyclist" after running the cyclist down was "Well, what were you looking at?" because they obviously weren't looking at the road in front of them as they are supposed to!

But this is also a prime example of how all the lights and reflective gear in the world won't make you "safe" on a bike. I absolutely bristle when I read descriptions of attire that says "reflective accents for safety!".

No! Skilled riding, adequate facilities, and (sober) attentive drivers can improve safety. Reflective gear can help make you "visible" but that is - as seen here - not the same as "safe."

Off my soap box. Glad your friend wasn't hurt too badly.