Originally Posted by Helmet Head
Gene, these are not scenarios that hypothesize who may have done what when. These are possible factors that may have played a role in some hypothetical scenarios.
But let's consider the first three - all related to visibility. Regardless, for them to play a significant role, the cyclist would have to have been in a position where the motorist had to see him to avoid him. If so, that's a problem even if there is no visibility issue. When you're traveling 15-20 mph and you need to cross a lane with 65-70 mph traffic, you don't pull out in front of said traffic and expect them to see you and slow down! Well, I sure as hell don't.
Excessive speed by the motorist? Maybe. But when the legal speed is 65, I'm not sure that going 70, 75 or 80 mph would play a significant difference. Now if he were going 100 mph, maybe, but I would think there would be evidence of that, if it were the case, or maybe I've seen too much CSI.
Poor road conditions? Again, a possible factor, but does not describe a scenario that I missed.
I agree that these are just "contributors." But at that time of morning and in possible fog, they are strong contributors. Reduced visibility could have easily made it difficult for motorist or cyclist to see each other. Fog tends to build up as dew on windshields. Excessive speed doesn't mean above the speed limits... but simply beyond the conditions. In spite of a posted speed of 65, the conditions of weather and road may have dictated a more prudent 40MPH... but motorists tend to not be all that prudent on lonely roads.
As far as the poor road conditions... the road markings are fading... the road is in a state of disrepair, so there are large cracked areas. The issue of the markings however is probably more important as it could contribute to sudden lane changes due to missing the on ramp or even the road.
The particular conditions on this road at this area make it stand out as a typical rural type situation... where overtaking type accidents tend to increase statistically.