Originally Posted by
TromboneAl
Here's my thinking on this:
1. It's unlikely that it would have happened if the driver had noticed/paid attention to the cyclist. Sure, he could have noticed him, but sneezed or something, causing him to veer out of the lane, but my guess is that he just didn't notice the cyclist, and was reaching for something, daydreaming, or changing a CD, etc.
2. It's pretty hard not to notice a cyclist when he/she has a bright blinkie, like a Planet Bike superflash, even in the daylight.
3. I just can't imagine that someone thinks "Oh, look, that cyclist sure has a bright blinking light." and then drives into him.
Yes, there are a lot of "what ifs" here, but a blinkie could certainly help in a situation like this. I might buy a second one.
I don't think we'll ever know what would have helped in his case. Maybe nothing.
That being said, I do believe it helps to be lit up and obvious. By all means, get a second, (brighter?) rear light (for under $30 shipped, I highly recommend the
Cygolite Hotshot light). I ride with a flashing (in day time) light as well. And I do usually wear hi-viz green or orange.
And above all, ride smart.
Nothing is fool proof. You can do everything right and still have bad things happen. But the more things you do right, the better the odds are in your favor.
Cheers,
Charles