Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Watch out for those left turners

Hi Guys,
Been away for a bit , but have been checking in lately to get back into contact.
You guys have always pointed to the cautious side of riding. Well ,I have lived on the edge. I have two new reasons to pay super attention to people in intersections. One is a friend of mine that was turned into last Friday night and died the following day. The other is having his pelvis wired and screwed back together and will be out of work and off bike for about a year they are saying. Left turn in front of him. Both were very alert riders, both non drinkers , one going to work the other riding over to meet a few of us for dinner and a meeting.
I know they both want us to keep riding , I am positive they are both hoping we are very safe though.
Yes, I am bringing in the new year with this sad news in my life , but will hold onto these voices of concern by my friends.
Vic

Vic,
Nice hearing from ya again "Stranger", though I'm sorry your impetus seems this very tragic bit of news. My condolences.

Now, I'm not a religious man, but maybe looking at it this way will help:
The next time you're riding down Valley Circle or up there on Mulholland and you think that cager sees you, think of your departed friend as that angel sitting on your shoulder telling you that maybe you should rethink that idea and to make sure there's eye contact with that driver before you go much further.

Dwight
(but then again, THAT'S not fool-proof EITHER, is it?!)

Yes Dwight,
I have been the "stranger". Money , cars , finishing my divorce, oh, and the new girlfriend have all contributed to me being on the road really and not at the computer. Not absent, just quiet.
Definitely will be thinking of my friends and others who seem to get far away after awhile. I will use this to get me close to the real deal when I am out there. The motorcycle is going to ride on , with me on it and thinking a little more about the cager guys.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you Dwight and we will see you at a something soon enough.
Vic

In UK there is a group called the Institute of Advanced Motorists and another called Royal Society for the provention of Accidents. Both run advanced courses, which if you complete, then not only do you stand a better chance of survival, but you also get cheaper(in theory) insurance. Perhaps there may be something similar which you might want to sign up for. For my case, these courses, no matter how long really are worthwhile and you get to meet likeminded riders, from whom you can pick up excellent tips.

when coming to a junction, I watch the wheels- not the eyes, as the UK cagers are often in a daze and oblivious to motorcycles(similar to USA!)- I also drift out to a position of CLEAR visibility(towards the centre line) and as humans are alerted to movement, I might also consider weaving a little as you approach the junction.
(perhaps best moved to riding techniques)

Regards

Rodyork

If you are not sure of the intentions (or attention) of a driver, do something really strange. The driver will react with "Look at that lunatic on the bike", thus forcing himself to admit that he sees you.

stay out of blind spots !!!!!!! always be seen if not heard!!!!!!!!! i had a friend that was traveling behind a truck (in a blind spot) and a lady turned after the truck passed and..... killed him and his girlfriend. i ride the line to this day