Topic: How do you deal with cars trying to kill motorcycles?

[ieism]

I'm a little amped right now so I have to get this off my chest mostly.....Twice this week I watched my girlfriend almost beeing pushed off the road by some @$$hole in a car.
The first guy was talking on his cellphone, and changed lanes without looking in his mirror or over his shoulder. My girlfriend was directly next to him, and luckily reponded quick enough and swerved to the left being trapped between 2 cars at 130 KM/H.
The second time the freeway went from 2 lanes to one, and a car misjudged the space available and thought he could still squize in while he was next to her. She hit the brakes in time to miss him this time, but it scrared the crap out of me.
I was driving in front of her both times, and I can't figure out why this happens.

 She wears a bright red jacket for visibility, and had her headlight on. We also drive slightly above the speedlimit most of the time, and keep some distance from the car in front.

What do you do in a situation like that? Do you report it to the cops. Do you follow the guy home and stick a screwdriver in his tire? I'm getting a little fed up with these maniak drivers that think they own the road.

[pyro139]

start riding one of these

yes thats a 75mm recoiless rifle.

[Cvillechopper]

I've had more than a few of those type situations.  I've done the gamut from just giving a nasty look to leaving a nice size dent in the offender's door with my boot (not that I condone this at high speeds).  Really don't think it makes much of a difference either way.  They're clueless and getting an earful from you probably won't change them.  Now, getting a chain in the windshield might make them think twice next time, but more likely it'll just land you in jail.  Maybe hooking up an air horn to your ride and laying on it when they start to drift would wake them up

[tmht]

This isn't a new problem. It's not a problem that's going to go away, no matter how many awareness campaigns they do. In fact with all of the Satellite Navigation, DVD, XM Radio, etc... drivers are more distracted than ever. You could follow the guy home and stick a screwdriver in his tire, but there are 100s others out there... you're gonna run out of screwdrivers eventually. It is a risk of modern motorcycling that we all have to accept. And, yes it pisses every one of us off when it happens to us or a riding partner. But, it's not going to stop, ever. Each time it happens to me I have to stop and ask myself how I could have anticipated whatever dumb a$$ move almost took me out that time. And I work on anticipating the drivers doing something stupid, and in New Orleans, there is a 100% chance of stupidity is someone is in a car. Really, I just try and keep in perspective, and if at anytime I find myself getting angry enough to actually chase someone down, I need to re-evaluate my decision to ride on city streets...

My 2 pesos

Terry in New Olreans

[dagersh]

ieism,

Well, we are with you in spirit on this one.  Sounds like your girl has her head together when on the bike - thank goodness.  Unfortunately, there is not much we can do about crazy cagers other than just ride as carefully and defensively as possible.  Just remember that you are effectively invisible to everyone, and everyone on the road is a blithering #$%*.  Bottom line is that while on a cycle - vs. car, truck or even another cycle YOU LOSE!    So just keep in mind that your primary job is to stay away from all obstacles and other vehicles (i.e. don't die).  It is a sad state of affairs when other drivers feel that their perceived need to talk on their phone (or worse text message), drink their coffee, read the paper, puton their make-up is more pressing then the need to, say, keep good control of their 2.5 ton soccer mom SUV - or any other 4 wheel machne.  However, this will not change anytime soon.

Installing some really powerful horns on our bikes is a great idea (make sure you use a relay, so your don;t burn out your horn button).  I think people here have been partial to the Fiamm Hi-Lo horns.  Also, if someone does do something stupid, just get away from them.  We all know its frustrating, and being able to mentally or physically abuse them would teach a lesson, but you cannot win when on a bike.

Take her easy, and keep riding safe with your girl.

Gersh

[pyro139]

ieism,

Well, we are with you in spirit on this one.  Sounds like your girl has her head together when on the bike - thank goodness.  Unfortunately, there is not much we can do about crazy cagers other than just ride as carefully and defensively as possible.  Just remember that you are effectively invisible to everyone, and everyone on the road is a blithering #$%*.  Bottom line is that while on a cycle - vs. car, truck or even another cycle YOU LOSE!    So just keep in mind that your primary job is to stay away from all obstacles and other vehicles (i.e. don't die).  It is a sad state of affairs when other drivers feel that their perceived need to talk on their phone (or worse text message), drink their coffee, read the paper, puton their make-up is more pressing then the need to, say, keep good control of their 2.5 ton soccer mom SUV - or any other 4 wheel machne.  However, this will not change anytime soon.

Installing some really powerful horns on our bikes is a great idea (make sure you use a relay, so your don;t burn out your horn button).  I think people here have been partial to the Fiamm Hi-Lo horns.  Also, if someone does do something stupid, just get away from them.  We all know its frustrating, and being able to mentally or physically abuse them would teach a lesson, but you cannot win when on a bike.

Take her easy, and keep riding safe with your girl.

Gersh

well said,

as for howns i some at a bike shop here in toronto $45cdn has realy's built in there twin air sirens that hange from handle bars getting them in few weeks, two sets one for honda and one for scooter.

[ieism]

keep in mind that your primary job is to stay away from all obstacles and other vehicles (i.e. don't die).

We shall try to be even more aware of that in the future. I supose some accidents can't be avoided though. It's a risk i'm willing to take myself, but I'd hate seeing her have an accident.
I talked to a cop the other day at the bikeshop, and he said even the bikecops get run over quite a lot. their bikes look like a goddamn christmastree, and they have a fluorecent yellow jacket on, and people still claim they didn't see them. If you can't see me on my bike, you need to see an eyedoctor!! Or perhaps you should try looking at what's happening AROUND YOU!

To all bikers around the world, please be carefull and wear a helmet and motorcycle clothing all the time!! And tell your car-driving wife/friends/collegues to be more alert towards bikers.

[Klerk Kant]

I agree that there is not much you can do about the skill or sanity of those who drive cages, but there might be something you can do about the way you ride together.  it sounds like you lead and your better half follows-  one of the msf tips for riding is that experience should follow- i dont know which one of you is more experienced, but if if this happens mostly to her, then you should maybe try following.  Both lois and I passed our msf courses but i was the only one with a bike.  i lightly encourage her to look at bikes and test drive them, but i know i will be worried about her if she ever does ride on a regular basis, and when we go out i would want to follow.  it seems like it allows the less experienced rider to go at their own pace and do things like position themselves for the most escape routes and make sure they are not spending a lot of time riding next to another vehicle, rather than keeping up with another bike.  that and ride like you are invisible and always remember when bikes and cars fight- cars win. 
-KK

[Short Round]

Hell I'm without scoot this season and this happens to me even in a car.  Here in South Carolina nobody seems to care about looking over their sholder, or in the mirrors when changing lanes, and car manufacturers should just leave the blinkers off the cars to save them money because they don't know how to use them.  The other weekend I was on my way to lake Jocassee (one of the most beautiful sights you will see) driving along Scenic Highway 11 with my friends in my car when we hit a group of about 7 cars behind a group of about 6 riders.  Now I only go about 5MPH over the limit unlike everyone else.  Anyway one car goes to pass the bikers, then the next and so on until there are about 6 cars in the left lane passing on double yellow on a hill.  I couldn't belive it.  Luckily the bikers slowed down to let all of them pass because just as the last car was passing the biker up fron a car came over the hill.  The car passing shot over and almost took out the front biker.  
     The thing that pissed me off the most is that Highway 11 is known for being a cruising highway for cars and scoots.  I just don't know why these people were in such a rush to get somewhere 3 min faster on a Saturday morning that was a nice overcast and 70 degrees.  It really baffles me, and I hear it all the time that I drive like an old man (on my 550 or in my Acura), but I have not had a wreck, speeding ticket, nor have I been late for anything (knock on wood).   Anyways I stayed behind the bikers the entire trip down Highway 11 and probably had another 8 or 9 cars pass up, all of which were on double yellow.  The guys puled into a gas station as did I when one of them came up to me and thanked me for staying with them and keeping people off their asses.  We chatted for a bit about why people would be in such a rush all the time, espicually on the weekend and shared some other close encounters of the sort and they took off before I was back in my car.  I think that the biggest thing that I love about riding is the appreation for just about everything that you just don't fully get while in a car and this is why I feel people are in such a hurry to get to where they are going instead of enjoying the ride itself....................Just my thought............Ride safe.............Chris

Oh and if you have not yet taken a trip down highway 11 you need to do so.  Wonderfull ride filled with riders of all sorts on the weekend that meanders through the foothills of South Carolina right at the base of the mounstains.  Begins in Gaffney SC and ends at Lake Harwell near Clemson University.  If you get to go plan a stop at Devil's Fork State Park and camp for the night on the shore of Lake Jocassee (on a good day you can see 40ft down the water is so clear).

[nickjtc]

Loud horn. Record licence plate number and report to the authorities.

[ieism]

it sounds like you lead and your better half follows-  one of the msf tips for riding is that experience should follow- i dont know which one of you is more experienced, but if if this happens mostly to her, then you should maybe try following. 

She's more experienced than me riding a bike. I also consider her a better driver than myself, she's more controlled and focused. It does seem to happen to her more often, but i'm not sure why.
The only reason I lead, is because I know the roads in our area a bit better. But I think perhaps I will start driving behind her whenever I can from now on. At least I can keep the tailgaters away from her a bit...
I think it was just bad luck to have 2 near-accidents in a week. I'm usually not in a hurry, and avoid rushhour because that's when most cages are on edge but i supose this happens to everybody...

[333]

Enlightened Paranoia.

That's a phrase my circle of riding buddies have coined.  It could best defined as the ability to guess what another vehicle might do at any given time, even when it may come from a blinded area(alley, hidden driveway...).  Unfortunatly there is no class to learn this, other than saddle time.  And as others have mentioned, idiots are everywhere, and there is not much that can be done about them.

That's another phrase I have used.  When teaching my kids(now 21 & 26) to drive.  Idiots are everywhere.  A man I recently met said it a little differently.  The Masses are A$$es.  I kinda like that better.

Is rush hour over yet?  I think I need some class time.

[seaweb11]

On our recent ride back from Long Beach "In the POURING RAIN" I was following my wife and had a guy come right up my ass on a very bad piece of snake hwy.  I couldn't believe he was following me 15 ft from my tire at 45-55 mph. The finger seemed to wake him up and he dropped back until there was a straight way

I tend to like following her while riding, not only for her safety, but my enjoyment

[masonryman]

I take a lot of back roads, trying to avoid the interstate, especially at rush hour.

"Ride like... your depends on it, it usually dose."

"Dress to slide not to ride"

All cliché's, I know but, "the life they save may be your own" whoop's there was another one

p.s. ride faster your harder to hit


MM

[333]

I was coming one night from gassing up a CB125 when a car came up behind me and was about 15 ft away and stayed there.  I pulled over and the car went by, not so much in a hurry.  It was a COP!  I fell in behind him as he went ahead for about 4 blocks where I was going to turn anyway.  He was stopped with his lights flashing, where he told me that he was just trying to read my tag.  I told him in no uncertain terms that if he needed to read my tag, PULL ME OVER, get some glasses, and feel damn lucky he didn''t kill someone.  I rode off and he didn't try to stop me.

[Uncle Ernie]

Conspicuity is like fences for honest people.  For the people you need to wake up, it doesn't matter what you wear.  In the first instance, the bike should not have been next to an SUV.  Passing is the only reason to be next to something that big.  Vans, pick-ups, SUVs and up can't see you. Period.  Everybody else doesn't look.  Getting mad will only put you in deeper danger.  I've seen too much road rage and if you express your anger, you're too likely to get pushed into another lane or on-coming traffic- whatever.
Fiamms are nice to have if you remember you have them.

[pyro139]

imagine every stupid thing some one can do on the road, and imagine every vehicle you see even other bikes is about to do every one, only then will you be ready.

the only driver you can trust on road is your self, use common sence ride defensive not offensive and stay alert.


"live to ride, and ride to live?

[DarkRider]

I had my own close call not too long ago. An idiot in a red Thunderbird SC was cutting in close with different bikes in my riding group..one moment his front bumper is almost touching the rear tires of the lead bikes which in turn slowed down to slow dumbass down..then without warning he backs off and comes straight for my tail!! All i could think of to do was give my throttle a quick snap wide open and tear ass across the lane into the spot he just vacated with his attempted ram.

[CrisPDuk]

It happens to me even when I was driving this:



I started painting little cars on the drivers door, WWII fighter style, to represent every muppet who discovered (always to their cost) that idiot avoidance wasn't really my thing It was into the high teens when I sold it

If it happens when I'm on the bike, I find the scuffed titanium toe protectorss on my boots do a good job on paint and bodywork

[Gordon]

Enlightened Paranoia.

That's a great way to describe it!   That sense of awareness you absolutely have to have to survive on a motorcycle in city driving conditions (or anywhere for that matter). 

I've had several people ask me how it is I ride to work almost every day and don't get run over.  From now on I'll tell them it all comes down to "Enlightened Paranoia". 

There are times in heavier traffic situations where I almost feel like I'm conducting all the vehicles around me because they're doing exactly what I'm expecting them to do, and I just stay out of their way and let them do it. 

[Bob Wessner]

"Enlightened Paranoia".

I like it myself, might make a nice patch for the back of one's jacket, big letters, "I Practice Enlightened Paranoia.. just don't test me."  

[Demon67]

I'd follow all the suggestions and perhaps pack a silenced .22 ruger.
demon67

[Chris Schneiter]

I used to ride Bicycles back in the old (and slim!) days...I try to take the entire lane as mine..in the city, I always ride next to the center line and away from parked cars. On the highway, I also try to ride next to the centerline..I think if you give people room, they'll take it...I try not to stay in a cars blind spot, but rather speed up or slow down to get clearly infront of or behind cars...I think color has a huge amount to do with visibility...supposedly, the most visible color is yellow...for a long time, I rode in a long sleeved white T-Shirt that flapped vilolently in the wind...I think black is invisible..I would like to find a nice light colored jacket, but never have found one..unfortunately, I think Beige is just as invisible, and I have found Beige jackets that I like...I used to have a beige Subaru that I got cut off in even with the headlights on...
I also try to anticipate what cars will do..at corners, I go next to the center line and slow down, making sure that they see me and am prepared if they pull out...I will them not to, and if they start, I've gone so far as to point at them and "Make " them stop...at oncoming left turns, I go to the right side of the lane and watch them like a hawk, and if they move, I "signal " them with my hand, and accelerate like crazy..I have a friend who actually was hit in the side of his bike, and the old man who hit him thought it was HIS fault!
There are weenies everywhere!

[DJ_AX]

There are times in heavier traffic situations where I almost feel like I'm conducting all the vehicles around me because they're doing exactly what I'm expecting them to do, and I just stay out of their way and let them do it. 

I commute daily rain or shine... sometimes I have to drive during rush hour with stop/fast and go/faster traffic.
I am always in the safest spot of traffic as far as I can see .. and I usually look ahead as far as I can see. I know for a fact I've avoided many more bad drivers drivers at a good distance than those I've had to avoid in an instant at close range.

Just yesterday in my rolling cage I had to slam on the breaks on the freeway doing 75 to avoid a merging fanatic in an extra large sized pick-up truck. What scared me the most was that the sound of my screatching tires scared him so much that he abruptly cut back and  was doing a fish-tail swerve in that thing lifting the side wheels off the ground. Damn near caused a full on multi-car collision.

[pyro139]

these are reason's i use the modern scooter for rush hour city driving,
cvt automatic transmission no clutch or gears to play with i can be far off the intersections before the other idiots, had time to reingage clutch, or switch foot from break to gas depending what they driving.