Old 09-07-06, 08:16 PM
  #8  
froze
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Wow you had the potential for a very serious accident; I'm glad you came out of of reasonably well.

As far as never commuting again, I wouldn't let one accident shake you up that far. Accidents will happen and do happen and you can't quit something you love to do because of an accident. Just imagine if everyone stopped doing whatever they were doing when they were involved in an accident...there would be a lot of job openings, a lot less cars on the road-maybe that would be a good thing! the list could go on and on. So don't give up.

Next time you ride along side a line of parked cars do this: as you approach the line start looking through the back windows of each car to see if you notice anyone in the car, then as you come closer to each car look into the side mirror to see if you see someone you missed in the driver seat. So your constantly looking into the back window then the mirror then the window then the mirror etc. Most of the time you should be able to see through several cars back windows at once. Once you figure out this method your chances for a catching a door will be severly reduced. If you see someone in the driver's seat then and only then begin to gradually move over into the traffic lane making sure of course that you don't get hit by a moving car!

But always watch, but NEVER weave from being close to a car then being far to try to avoid the flying door syndrome. By weaving around parked cars you become a target for the cars that are traveling down the road with you, and they don't know what your doing. Maintain a straight line at all times unless avoiding a potential door threat due to seeing someone in the driver's seat; and maintain hand positioning on the brakes.

Glad to hear you OK!!! and keep on riding.
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