 Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
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OP
Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
I'm in Dallas (yuck) for a couple days on business, and I'm driving a Dodge Charger for a rental. Last night, I was driving back to my hotel following dinner. I'm in the left lane, and Tomtom tells me I have a right turn ahead, so I signal (a sign of weakness when driving in Dallas), check my side mirror, glance over my shoulder and start moving over. Luckily, I caught just a glimpse of a light as I started over, so I quickly moved back into my previous lane. I sped ahead and looked again to see a motorcycle was in my blind spot. WHEW!!! The guy sped up, gave me a wave (the friendly type, thankfully), and cruised on. This car I'm driving has a hellascious blind spot compared to what I'm used to. I'm glad I didn't change lanes too quickly or I think it would have been bad. I didn't realize how hard it is for us to be seen when riding at night, either. Be careful out there! 
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2 |
Lucky catch! for both of you!
but bad on him!
I make it a point NEVER to ride in someones blind spot...
when passing a car (on either side) watch their mirror(s)...
if you can't see their face they can't see you...
it's hard enough to be seen by others when you're on a bike don't make it harder for them (and more dangerous for you) because YOU are not paying attention when you ride
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
Phew!! you can never be too careful. good catch.
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420 |
Quote:
so I signal (a sign of weakness when driving in Dallas)
Using a signal is a sign of weakness? What retard coined that? Using a signal is the only method of communication a car has. I think it sucks that people have gotten so lazy they cant even lift their left hand for a second to give a signal to other drivers of their intentions. Give me one good reason why NOT to use a signal...
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
Quote:
Lucky catch! for both of you!
but bad on him!
I make it a point NEVER to ride in someones blind spot...
when passing a car (on either side) watch their mirror(s)...
if you can't see their face they can't see you...
it's hard enough to be seen by others when you're on a bike don't make it harder for them (and more dangerous for you) because YOU are not paying attention when you ride
I agree, bad on him. I try not to even ride next to a car let alone in its blind spot. If in traffic and I have to ride beside a car I try and pull up just beyond the driver, and then back off a little just so he is aware I am there. I also tend to ride the inside part of the lane(s). So as I approach a car from the rear my headlight is hopefully illuminating the cars outside mirror (left or right). I also tend to watch (if possible) the drivers head movement.
However, as a rider it never feels good when you are driving a car and don't see someone on a bike. This has happened to me a couple of times. You always think that could have been me....
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7 |
Never, never, ever ride in the blind spot. We all know it's there, no need to be stupid about it.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Never, never, ever ride in the blind spot. We all know it's there, no need to be stupid about it.
Well Dave, I agree with you about the "never, never, ever ride in a blind spot" thing there, however I'm NOT reeeeeeal sure about that "WE ALL know it's there, no need to be stupid about it." second part.
I'll betcha there are LOTS and LOTS of newbie riders who don't know that, and maybe even a few of us long-time riders who FORGET about that second part ocassionally too, huh?!
(ya see, I knows that 'cause I sees that sort'a thing happen aaaaaall the time out there on the road)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7 |
New riders probably still have a license and road driving experience in a cage. I don't drive my car in blind spots either. It's just a bad practice. I can't stand when people drive in my blind spot, because then that's one more thing I have to be mindful of if something happens in front of my and I have nowhere to go to avoid it.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
I drive trucks from time to time and I'm always amazed how some people will just sit in your blind spot. It's been a long time, but isn't that in your driver's test? Riding a bike I assume I'm always invisible. But all vehicles are invisible at some point coming up from behind. You'd think common sense would take over.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Using a signal is a sign of weakness? What retard coined that?
I think he was making a sarcastic remark meant in reference to how agressive drivers are in Dallas. He wasn't saying it was stupid to use signals. I also hate how inconsiderate people are about using their signals. So many people just can't be bothered to making the effort. AND, I know I feel EXTRA, really bad when I cause another motorcyclist trouble, due to any minor driving mistakes.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 380
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 380 |
Thats reason I drive a convertible cobra mustang instead of a out of retirement dodge charger. I guess u could say I love motorcyclist and the wind in my face! 
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948 |
Some drivers have a 360 degree blind spot. Even if they look at you it doesn't mean they see you. Even if they see you, it doesn't mean they won't pull into your lane.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
I blame some of it on the design of some cars. I had to rent a Pontiac - don't remember the model - a few years ago when I got some major work done to my truck. It was all blind spot with the shape of the roof and slope of the rear window.
Maybe I'm spoiled from driving a pickup for years, but that car made me nervous in traffic....
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Good job at avoiding an accident John.  Those Chargers are bad. The have a high fenderline and narrow windows. That design makes them look aggressive but not very good for seeing what's going on around you.
Last edited by PES; 06/16/2009 12:37 PM.
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yep Paul, and besides....who ever heard of a FOUR-door "Charger" anyway, huh?!    (well, at less them Mopar boys got the number o' doors right on that new Challenger anyway, right?!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7 |
The new Challenger is badass!
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 232
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 232 |
I have an 07 Charger and I have to agree on the blind spot, after you drive it awhile you get used to double checking with a head turn cause you just can't see well enough with the mirrors. Glad that it worked out without anyone getting hurt... Amazing how regions affect how people drive, driving up in Milwaukee most everyone will use signals and let folks over etc...  Go the otherway towards Chicago and using your turn signals tells the car behind you in the next lane to floor it so you can't get over. 
ArGee
14 Thunderbird LT
Wasn't sure if Red or Black was faster, so I got a Red & Black one...
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Amazing how regions affect how people drive, driving up in Milwaukee most everyone will use signals and let folks over etc... Go the otherway towards Chicago and using your turn signals tells the car behind you in the next lane to floor it so you can't get over.
Well that's probably true Argee. And so, I was thinkin' here that maybe John might be blowin' this whole Dallas encounter o' his a mite out of proportion.
Ya see, there was ANOTHER John back in the day who didn't notice a certain book depository in HIS "blind spot" while he was goin' down a Dallas street one day, and HIS day turned out to be a WHOLE LOT worse than did our Mr.Bullen's here!
(so John remember: Things could always be worse, ya know!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Almost hit a motorcyclist last night
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Go the otherway towards Chicago and using your turn signals tells the car behind you in the next lane to floor it so you can't get over.
That is sooo true! 
Fidelis et Fortis
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