Originally Posted by
Walter S
Be very cautious about relying on eye contact. Making it and finding it are important ways to increase your safety. But just because somebody sees you does not mean they will drive safely!
I clearly remember, about 40 years ago I was going down a hill in downtown Atlanta and a woman pulled up to the road as she was exiting a parking lot and about to enter my lane from the right. We clearly made eye contact and I proceeded with confidence she would wait for me to pass in front of her. Then she pulled right out in front of me. I hit her car and luckily was launched over her hood and landed on the pavement and rolled, with minor injuries. The front end of the bike didn't do as well.
I think people quite commonly misjudge the speed of a bicycle, they pull out and get hit. Just like trains, just not as dangerous to the motorist.
Edit: my lesson that day - slow down anyway
Thank you for adding this. I was trying to figure out how to do so without coming across as preachy... you did a better job than I was doing.
I probably make eye contact including a smile with three drivers a week, who then proceed to do something stupid causing me to take evasive action. Usually at lights. I'm starting to think people don't like me.