Well, at risk of being completely run out of town by the gang here, I had a VERY close call, while driving the cage, yesterday -- and very nearly rear-ended a young fellow on a CBR.

I was driving in the left lane up a fairly busy street, and buddy in the CBR passed me on the right. He got out in front of me, and like any decent driver I backed off and gave him room. I had to switch into the right lane, so I was checking my mirrors and trying to get over, but the traffic was pretty busy, so I kept glancing for an opening. Looked up just in time to see CBR-boy stopped in front of me, signalling to make a left turn. Cranked the wheel, applied the brakes, squeezed by him, half in his lane and half in the next one, earning angry honks and upraised fingers from the other drivers.

Now, I do realize that in this case I was distracted by the traffic and my desire to make a lane change, and I would have totally accepted any blame in the situation. But I did also note that he had one of those 'whitish' tail-lights which didn't emit much of a strong brake signal, and also that his turn lights were those tiny white ones that are nearly impossible to see. I wonder if "Christmas Tree" style lighting does provide an additional safety factor, and if I would have picked up on his left turn earlier if he'd had stronger, brighter signal and brake lights?

Anyway -- I felt like crap for hours after (and still do), and definitely got chewed out by my wife/passenger about the almost incident.

Sheepishly yours...

It happens to the best of us. Just chalk it up to experience and you'll be better next time:thumbsup

All's well that ends well. I frequently think about how awful I would feel if I ever caused another biker harm while driving my car. And yes, part of the nightmare would be 'fessing up to everyone around here. Just recommit yourself to safe driving and carry on.

Personally, I think you were distracted by the thought of your next photo shoot. :mrgreen:

Personally, I think you were distracted by the thought of your next photo shoot. :mrgreen:

You may be right. I am a little preoccupied by it these days. And yeah, the thought went through my head all afternoon, what if I'd hit the dude? A rear-ender at 30 mph would NOT have been pretty for him. It really freaked me out, because I think although I'm super alert when on the bike, I probably relax a bit in the car -- though I shouldn't. Having a passenger to distract you probably doesn't help.

Meh. Don't sweat it too much. I've almost rear-ended cars in the exact same situation. :wink:

But yeah, CBR dude brings a little risk on himself with his snazzy aftermarket lights.

But yeah, CBR dude brings a little risk on himself with his snazzy aftermarket lights.

Yeah, those LEDs did not show up at all. I mean I am getting old, and tiny things are harder to see of course, but I did have my glasses on -- and in daylight I found that they were barely visible. All hail the honda xmas tree!

Yeah, those LEDs did not show up at all.

I think it's Billy who has made that assertion again and again. The bulbs are more noticeable regardless of what you actually think you see.

This is one of his classic posts (http://www.honda599.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4791&highlight=tail+light).

I think I agree with that. In this case the bulbs/lights probably had nothing to do with it, I was just being an idiot. But of course in looking for SOMETHING to blame other than my own stupidity, I do think those damn LED triangles are useless for daytime signalling. ;)

But yeah, CBR dude brings a little risk on himself with his snazzy aftermarket lights.

We all bring a little risk on ourselves by choosing to ride motorcycles. Most of the accidents we have that kill or maim us would have probably been minor if we had been in a car. Not saying that being killed by a stupid driver is our fault, but it's a risk we choose to live with. And really, seeing all of the local accidents and deaths lately, I'm seriously thinking about getting a dirt bike or having only a track bike.

My wife and I are big on visibility, and she has told me several times how beautifully visible the stock lights are. Despite the humongous fender being hideous, it makes me so much more visible when I'm in traffic and doing something. So I'm not removing it at all! This minimalist movement is too dangerous for a city rider like me.

Good time to remember to pump yer' brakes when stopping/stopped as a signal to those behind you. Auto-Flashing brakes lights are now legal in CA.

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Where_can_I_get_a_flashing_brake_light%3F