BBP, glad you are still with us. The most common type of accident involving motorcycles (don't know if similar stats are kept for bicycles) is the
left-turning driver. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation and govt analysis is that the left-turning driver does not perceive you. After my own trip to the ER and surgery, I stopped riding at night except when I have no choice, e.g., have to make the last ferry, etc. I now use an HID lighting systems on my velo. Cars think you are a motorcycle, which a step up in visibility, but there is still no cocoon of steel. Try this stuff on your road rash... works for me.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...t%3A%20Therapy