Road Mishaps
NOTE: This thread contains accounts that some may find disheartening or otherwise disturbing.
What is the worst crash road mishap you have ever been in? We’ve all been in one – in my case, more than just one. We all know it happens to the very best, even. The fact that you’re here now – and hopefully still riding – means you survived to tell the tale.
I am not asking out of some perverse, morbid curiosity here. I do not delight in the misfortune of others. These things, however, can be instructive. I have learned a lot listening to other bike riders. Surely some of the most instructive conversations have been those about road mishaps, because they tell you what to avoid, how to think. And that just might save your life one day.
Three years ago I figured in an accident that involved a speeding motor vehicle that swerved off the correct lane. I’d seen him coming from a long ways off. He seemed OK and steady. I was on the opposite lane of a very wide road. I do not know why he veered so far into my lane just as he sped up to some 10 yards away. It was almost as if he meant to run me off the road. I swerved to avoid him and hit the curb so hard my bike flipped over.
I broke my right wrist and two right ribs. I also ripped a chunk of flesh off my right thigh. I passed out, not from banging my head on the curb but from the pain I think. I owe my life to a couple who happened to be jogging by. They called emergency services, made sure I was OK, and stayed with me until help came. The driver got away. He didn’t stop, didn’t even slow down, I’ve been told.
Lesson learned? Never underestimate just how crazy, careless – even downright criminal -- some motorists can be. Pretty generic, common sense thing, I know. But it never hurts to remind yourself that people and their motor vehicles are the most dangerous things out on the road, not bicycles.
Last edited by Elaine; 11-15-17 at 08:46 PM.
Reason: addendum