5matt

first accident in 12 years, riding AFRAP on a busy two lane stretch of road. Got passed closely by a tanker truck who then moved farther to the right at a red light-I passed him, then stopped to the right of the first car in line (truck was second vehicle). My thoughts were on my narrowing space and not wanting to be passed by the truck again before the next light about a block away; as the light turned green, both I and the car beside me began moving. The car turned right and the two of us collided- I went down, got a couple of scrapes and bruises, the driver was quite shaken and came back to see if I was ok. The accident was mostly my fault since I didn't notice she was turning even though we sat there beside each other for 30 seconds or so, and she must not have seen me. My reason for posting-I've ridden this same route 70 plus times this year, one moment of not being totally aware of my surroundings-I usually wait to make sure the driver isn't turning before starting out-and anything can happen. Be safe out there.

linnefaulk

Glad you are OK.

icepick_trotsky 

+1

Good advice, 5matt. Is the bike ok?

ill.clyde

Glad you're ok ... in that case I probably would have laid back behind the truck, took the lane behind him, and then deal with his slow take off.

scroca

You may want to go to A&S and read this sticky:

****If You've Been Hit By A Motor Vehicle: ALL MEMBERS READ****

scoatw

been there and done that. glad your OK. all you can do from something like that is learn from it. one of the nice things about BF is learning from others. have a good one.

5matt

I hear you, but this is a congested area and I would be sitting shortly after going through the light, I need to go around the traffic. What I really should have done was pay attention to the car, which is what I normally do.

Bike seems to be ok, I leave it at work the days I ride in and I didnt have a chance to go out and check after my morning once-over.

5matt

Forgot to mention, dusted myself off and finished the ride to work (about eight more miles). Even with the accident, better than riding the bus!

Mark Stone

Glad you're ok - -

RubeRad

Next time, try stopping in front/right of the first car in line. I typically move to the front of the crosswalk. If possible, far enough left so that cars can turn right behind me. Sometimes they get nervous even though there's plenty of room so I wave them through.

downwinded

Kind of a sketchy situation. Glad you're ok.

5matt

[QUOTE=RubeRad;17159921]Next time, try stopping in front/right of the first car in line. I typically move to the front of the crosswalk.

No crosswalk, unusual intersection, car stops right at the end of the sidewalk-otherwise I do what you suggest. Normally in this situation, if
I know the car is turning, I'll wait until they turn then proceed-especially since I came up through traffic, only fair even if they see me.

spokenfour

Sorry to hear that. Ive only been "bumped" once. Shook me up for a few days. Glad you are ok.

bluegoatwoods

Sorry to hear this. And I'm also glad you're okay.

From what you've said in these posts it sounds as though you're a careful rider and understand your traffic situation properly. So it boils down to you were just a bit inattentive this time and it bit you.

The real reason I spell that out is a reminder to us other careful and knowledgeable riders that it can happen to us, too. In fact, it becomes likely if we ride enough.

So, instead of counting sheep tonight or thinking of girls, or something like that, I'll repeat over and over again, "Never, never, never, let your guard down!"

I hope I can live up to that.

auldgeunquers

Glad you're well. Glad the bike rolls.

Just don't let yourself get distracted repeating your newly assigned mantra.

Never never never let your guard down ommmmm (repeat 50000x)

... push through now! You can do it!

a1penguin

This situation is always on my mind. Passing on the right is generally not something most drivers are going to notice. I probably wouldn't and this causes me to be super, extra vigilant in these situations.

I'm really glad traffic had been stopped and the accident was minor and that you are OK. Bikes are replaceable, people parts not always.

Stay safe out there!

RubeRad

I guess then the real factor here was (like you said) being preoccupied with the truck coming up. I'm glad you're OK, and thanks for posting. I always read these threads because I want to learn about as many possible ways to avoid death as possible!

5matt

Thanks for the support, not sure if I can give up thinking about women though!

mgw4jc

Glad it wasn't worse. I've been in the same type of deal too. I look for a blinker and try to get up far enough that the driver should be able to see me. Even if it is just right by the front passenger door.

Ride safely!

metz1295

I agree with both of these.

1. glad you lived to type about it.

2. once the truck passed, it was their lane. even if you can out pace them at the start, they will catch up again. suck it up and stay back.

adding a 3rd
3. next to a car in the lane? no good can come from that. I've had one or two instances where a car pulled next to me in a lane. I always sit still till their intentions are obvious.

my 3 cents after borrowing 2.

Leebo

Never be to the right of a vehicle going through an intersection. I would have been in front of the car or behind the truck. Lessons learned.

Onyxaxe

I learned a good bit from this, I ride close to the shoulder since I'm new and kinda slow. But everytime I get to the light they pull up beside me and just go as if they had the rightaway to begin with. I'll take the full lane from now on so I don't have this sort of collision.

BTW, it is not your fault since she turned into you at the light. I think bikers are a bit toned down regarding to the laws since we just wanna get along but if it was a smart car or moped she probably would have done the same thing.

ItsJustMe

I get in line at intersections, center to left of lane. Do not want to be squished.

achoo

Glad you're OK.

But that's why I almost never use the curb to filter to front of traffic.

Especially if you didn't want that truck to pass you again - when I don't want a vehicle that's passed me to pass me again, I stay behind it.

PatrickGSR94

Never, ever go up the right side beside cars, or even worse, big trucks. Real good way to get killed, as it has happened a number of times this year.

Being left of center in the traffic lane makes you most visible to all - motorists behind you, as well as cars coming the opposite direction who may want to turn left, as you proceed through straight. If you're going straight on the far right side, it's very easy to get left crossed by a car coming the other way and turning left because they thought the traffic lane was clear and decided to go.