Originally Posted by Conveyor Belt
Rode to school and work 8 miles one way. My car is in the shop, and my high-vis vest, gloves and helmet were in the car. So, I turned on the rear blinky, dug out an old skater style black helmet, and hoped my yellow reflective backpack would be enough to keep me out of the grill of a vehicle.
You know what, today, I had more 'close calls' than any other day riding. It's gotta be the vest. People were pulling out in front of me left and right, this truck with trailer tried to squeeze me up against a curb. I was getting left hooked like crazy. It was nuts.
I wore the brightest color I had, which was white. The vest definitley makes a difference.
I've been wearing a vest and while I admit it looks entirely uncool, I just can't seem to make myself care.
I half-suspect that it makes drivers think I'm new at this, so they stay farther away and watch me closely (kind of like a Student Driver flag on a car, y'know!) but I'll take it.
Glad to hear some confirmation that the vest helps!