Originally Posted by banerjek

Sure -- drivers sometimes screw up. Because of the way the laws of physics work, it is in your interest to be as prepared as you can WHEN this happens.

I doubt a bright blinky on the front would have made a difference in this case. It certainly won't make a difference in many other situations where drivers turn across or pull in front of a cyclist they know is there. Eye contact helps a lot, but it's no guarantee. On a vaguely related note, motorists will treat you with more respect if you ride with politely but assertively.

Rather than worry about it, this experience should bolster your confidence as you were obviously paying enough attention and your reflexes did the right thing when it mattered. If you make good judgments and react appropriately when others don't do the right thing, you drastically improve your own odds.