Sorry for the delay on replying to questions. AFter going to the bike shop to get my light, I took a trip down to the beach house, sat in my hammock, and played my guitar to clear my head and get my bearings(so to speak).

It was dark, and where the kid was riding from, there were no lights to make reflectors effective.
He was on the side walk going against traffic, and no lights. In Texas you cannot ride on the sidewalk, and at night have lights, not just reflectors.
As for the bike helmets save lives....They help prevent second impact. That is all. I know there is more to safety than a helmet. Wearing light colors is a good start. I wish everyone rode by the rule my dad told me, Don't assume they see you, until they look directly at you and let you know like waving. I use that even when driving.

The weather is miserable down here. I am sitting in my office, looking at the sunny clear day wishing I had rode my bike. I will not ride until my light gets here.

I thank you all for the support/response. When I got to work this morning, my boss said I looked like I just ran someone over. You should have seen his face when I explained my Friday night.

Keep on cranking.

Laters