Advocacy & Safety - Spring’s first accident...

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View Full Version : Spring’s first accident...

swekarl
03-31-02, 10:19 AM
...happened like this: I was on the left of a car on a oneway street. The driver suddenly turned left without blinking or even looking. I screamed and ran into the car, smashing the mirror to the front. It was my second day with clipless pedals, but they released (thank god) as smooth as ski bindings. I knocked on the window and talked to an ashamed woman who admitted she hadn’t looked at all before she turned. Then we wished each other happy easter. And I angled back her mirror to its proper position. Wish all accidents were this smooth. :)

Harry
03-31-02, 10:45 AM
Nice attitude Karl! I had a similar experience (with a ladydriver) and sustained a sore wrist for nearly two months. I didn't wish her a Happy Easter. Actually I cursed her under my breath.

I hope you wear a helmet! Those clips cause practically stationary accidents.

and a Happy Easter to you!
aerobat
03-31-02, 12:38 PM
Glad you're OK, Swekarl! Show's how careful you've got to be.

Happy Easter to you, too!

swekarl
03-31-02, 01:56 PM
Careful, yeah. I need to learn that!

And Happy Easter to you guys too! :beer:
John E
03-31-02, 02:45 PM
Those pivot-mounted mirrors on European cars really can reduce the severity of injury and property damage. They should be mandatory on all cars sold in the U.S., as well.
Joe Gardner
03-31-02, 07:54 PM
Karl, glad you made it out OK. Im sure that lady will look twice the next time! This is actualy a very common accident, i have had it happen to me a few times, however i have always seen it coming, and have not yet made contact with the car. (Other then a slap on the side of the car, or the back windshild to let them know what they did wrong!)

John, I thought that after 1998 (?) all cars & light trucks had to have folding mirrors. Im not a car buff, but i cant think of any cars off the top of my head that dont have the fold in side mirrors. I have yet to be hit my a mirror, im sure it would hurt, folding or not!

P.S. Karl, like the new layout of the site, very user friendly and great color choice!
Oscar
03-31-02, 09:56 PM
Happy Easter, and a gentlemanly lesson in forgiveness.
aturley
04-01-02, 10:18 AM
Karl, that's the most inspiring thing I've heard in a while. You set her mirror back to the propper posistion? Wow. I think most people (myself included) would have needed most of their reserve of self control to not make some serious modifications to the mirror. Keep up the good work, you are a treasure to cycling.

andy