Big Terry's post on the near head collision reminded me of what happened while driving my car yesterday. I was in a turn left only lane and still moving. In the lane to the right of me there was a line of cars already stopped for the red light. Suddenly, without warning (no turn signal) a car starts to pull out in front of me (BTW, it was dark and the car had no lights on). I slammed on the brakes and came inches from broad siding the guy. I had to leave my lane to keep from hitting him. Now drum roll please... it was a police officer in his cruiser. Man, was he apologetic. He said he was really sorry and was pre-occupied thinking about something else. I took great pleasure in being able to smile and say, "That's OK. Just be careful out there. Oh, and turn on your lights; it's dark now." I think as little as five years ago I would have wanted to berate the guy to make him feel like crap. Kind of a payback for the discomfort the fight or flight response he triggered caused in me. These days, I'm feeling a bit more tolerant. AND, I think cycling has something to do with it. I get my daily aggressions and anger out while climbing or sprinting.

I also know that while riding earlier this year I almost clipped another rider because I didn't give him warning while passing. Why? Wish I knew. At that time and place, I just didn't think to do it. So the real pi$$er is that even I make mistakes.