Originally Posted by
GrouchoWretch
This response doesn't tell me what is so difficult about the concept that a motor vehicle's headlights illuminate dark objects, in front of the vehicle, in the dark, and this is exactly "how you are supposed to see" them.
I can't tell you exactly why the OP didn't see the ninja cyclist until emergency maneuvers were required to avoid hitting him. Speculation on this point might be informative, but it doesn't "assist my understanding" of why anyone is still asking how you're supposed to see things in the dark, in front of you, while driving, when the simple answer is "headlights." Headlights, got it?
Nor does considering what I can do about this while cycling particularly help me understand how objects in front of your vehicle might be considered invisble when you have HEADLIGHTS.
They are all fine points for discussion, though.
Simple, when the object is not illuminated by the headlight beam. A dark clothed rider without reflectors, lights etc, just won't be seen until their path intersects the headlight beam of the car.Depending on the rider's path (e.g. transverse to the path of the car) that intersection may occur at a point close enough to the car to require "emergency maneuvers" on the part of the motorist.
[opinion] Under contributory neglegence, ninjaboy would probably get the shaft from a judge/jury [/opinion]