Snap shot of a truck that missed us by 12 inches. Note towing mirrors are out. Also note extra room next to the solid double yellow. Speed of the truck was estimated around 50-55. Our speed was about 28-30 mph. This video/snap shot was taken at a long straight section of a road called San Fransquito Canyon. We all had tail lights, clear skies, light traffic, dry road conditions. There was no excuse for how little room this driver gave us.
I presented the video along with this snap shot to the CA Highway Patrol. They usually don't greet cyclists with open arms, but I was surprised at the support I received. He said all he could do was to communicate with the owner of the vehicle. That was enough for us. I bet the driver was surprised as he** when he got that call. Maybe he will give the 3 feet of room that the law dictates.
For me, this one episode more than justified the few extra grams of a rear facing/tail light assembly adds. Cost? This is like debating the cost of getting a brighter and more visible headlight. No debate what so ever.