Be careful on the road.

[NCC]

I had an experience this afternoon which (at 11Pm) still has me a bit upset.

I've been driving for forty years. I consider myself a good driver, and my record supports that. In all of my years of driving, I've had an average of less than one incident per decade. All of them minor. Zero injuries. Mostly minor damage. So minor, most people would disregard.

Today, this afternoon, I made a mistake. On a four lane divided highway I was a bit irritated at the slow poke in front of me doing 15 MPH under the posted limit. I very nearly collided with a biker, with female passenger, when I whipped my car hard left to pass the slow poke.

I ALWAYS check carefully before changing lanes, always! Except today. I could have seriously injured or killed the people on that motorcycle, all due to my impatience.

Please, be careful.

FWIW, I did exchange an apology with the pilot at the next traffic light. He insulted my driving skills. And, I accept the blame.

 

[36tinybells]

Really glad everyone ok! It's so easy to forget we are in control of a lethal weapon on the roads. Thanks for the reminder and be safe.

 

[hankbizzo5]

Might be shook up but no one is hurt thats all that counts.....

 

[NCC]

Might be shook up but no one is hurt thats all that counts.....

Thanks, but I disagree.

 

[Capers]

Thanks, but I disagree.

People like to focus on the positive, but I'm with you on this one. Your momentary lapse of exercising safety very well could've led to killing someone. I think what you're feeling is correct; if more people viewed life and their actions in this way, they wouldn't forget about what didn't happen.

 

[otrpu]

I rode for decades, no better way to see the National Parks, and the rest of the country. They knocked me down twice, rode it out standing on the high side peg. Not so much as a road hicky. Thank you God or whoever. Finally decided to give it up, and I loved it. Awhile back I came over on a Harley w/ passenger. He saw me and adjusted. Not a happy biker for sure, and he's right. I'm sorry as hell but that don't mean nothin. But, for him. . .I could have killed people. I learned from it. JMHO

Cheers,
otrpu

 

[hankbizzo5]

People like to focus on the positive, but I'm with you on this one. Your momentary lapse of exercising safety very well could've led to killing someone. I think what you're feeling is correct; if more people viewed life and their actions in this way, they wouldn't forget about what didn't happen.

That is very well true, but if they did hit them then i would have been more concerned..... I have been on a street bike for years and this is a commonly occurring a lot or the time the bike is in somewhat of a blind spot.....Trust me it scares the BLEEP out of you.....I do not want to come off rude but i feel that it could have been much worst and even if it was a quick lack of focus now i am sure it was a wake up call to be more aware..... Best wishes and most definitely SAFE DRIVING.....

 

[Tracker II]

Yah, I took my first steps without crutches 2 weeks ago from a head-on accident in January. A woman whipped over into my lane and I didn't even have time to hit the brakes. Of course she is broke and had the minimum amount of insurance which I burned up in the first 3 days in the hospital. I am now 56 and crippled for life.

With that being said, it is by the grace of God that I haven't done this to other people as there isn't a driver alive who hasn't had a mental lapse or been distracted while driving.

Be careful out there ... our next trip out could very well be your last.