Commuting - First close call with good ending

I've been commuting to school and work now for about 2 months I guess. I ride an old Trek road bike. Last night on my way home from work was my first real close call.

I was just coming up to a stop sign. There were no cars in front of me. A lady going through the intersection had just gone and there was a tow-truck coming up behind her. He stops so I figure he sees me and I'm good to go. I head into the intersection and then he starts to take off. I slam the brakes and vear left (he's coming at my right side) and actually slide my bike tire around. Never thought I'd be able to pull a move like that on a road bike while being clipped in and not falling over. The guy sees me finally and slams his brakes. I catch my balance and circle around. He rolls his window down, apologizes profusely, says he didn't see me, and asks me to go ahead.

I went on and thanked him. I was shocked he was so nice and apologetic about it. He seemed truly sincere.

Just figured I'd share a good experience, I guess, compared to a lot of others I read on here.

Hey that's good that you came out OK and didn't crash in the process! Sounds like you handled it well.

I've been caught at 4 way stops like that before and people have pulled out before its their turn. I'm alwasy *really* cautious at stop signs now.

Hey, at least they recognized their error, most assume they have
more of a right to the road than we do. Good job, glad you are ok.

Glad to hear it. Now get an alertshirt and he'll see you next time ;).

I had a front blinkie, 2 rear blinkies, one which can be seen from the side very well (tl1000), and I was under a street light on the corner I don't see how he didn't. Plus I was already stopped waiting on the first car to go. He was probably on his cell or eating a big fat greasey burger.

Yes you should have been sufficiently visible but a bright shirt can go a long way to being more noticable in low light conditions. In this case reflective gear would not have helped until it was too late but a HiVis yellow or orange shirt might have just caught his attention. I bought one of the Alertshirt mesh vests so I can wear a bright reflective outer wear over anything I might wear for weather protection. It seems that HiVis colors are not that popular in any other type of clothes.
Craig