I've only been riding for a few weeks now and i've already had several people make a left turn in front of me. We live off a busier 2 lane road and the speed limit is 55. There are several subdivisions between ours and the interstate so anytime I leave I pass no less than 5-10 people waiting to make a left turn across my lane. Tonight was the closest call yet, I actually had to lock up the brakes when this lady decided to dart right out in front of me. I managed to lay on the horn, throw up the bird, brake, and swerve at the same time so I feel my skills are improving but this really bothers me.

What kills me is the look in these peoples eyes when I look over at them as I pass. They are like zombies and their eyes tell you absolutely nothing about them. They appear as though they are looking right at you, and then damn near hit you anyway. I just don't get it.

I'm just wondering how you all handle these people. I almost followed this lady home today just to have a quick word with her. I cannot wait to get some louder pipes again so that I can be heard.

 

I know this sounds pompas but "learn to expect the worst". Defensive driving on a bike will keep the chrome shiny and the paint untouched by concrete

I try not to loose control of my emotions as that just set's you up for more grief on the road. Everytime I've been in trouble on the road it's because something had my attention or I was trying to show off.

 

Greetings,

Get used to it! It's just the way it is. Have you done a motorcycle safety course? If not, it's money well spent.

 

And loud pipes do NOT save lives. Fact is that when some driver is in their car AHEAD of you and about to turn into your path, your pipes (which are pointed backwards) are not audible to them.

One thing I've always done is this. When someone is sitting and about to make a left turn in front of you, weave a little in your lane (SAFELY) or flash your lights from lo to hi beam once or twice... I think most folks just don't see us.

Ither than that there are always *ssh*les and always folks who think that they can make it without killing you... so drive defensively. Starting with flashing your lights or "slaloming" the bike a little. It WORKS.

And like Old Dog said... stay calm.

 

Defensive driving is the key. I always watch anyone that may be turning as I am passing by and always assume they dont see me.

I also have noticed when wearing a bright color shirt it doesnt seem to happen as often. I am getting to where I try to wear a brighter shirt whenever I can.

 

I'm forming a theory where I think cars see us but since we are smaller than cars it just doesn't register in their head that this small,insignificant piece of metal is just a figment of their imagination . i can't understand it but I see it all the time.

 

Get a high intensity Sylvania headlight bulb, run it on high beam in the daytime, then assume no one will see you and slow down for all cars turning left across your path.

One C6/C7 fusion was enough for me..... I also installed the brake light turn signal module for the rear lights.

 

Hmm, people infront of me hear my pipes, and I'll give them a blast of my air horn too if need be. But I've learned when and where to stick with traffic, and when to distance myself from the pack. I always try to be ready for an idiot to turn infront of me, and try to position myself to lessen that posibility, and keep the brakes covered, thumb on horn, revs up (try downshifting one)so I'm making alot of noise when possible, but there are still morons that look right through us.

 

Be defensive always, blow your horn, give em' the one finger salute,and go on your way.

 

Oh, and I also put a 4" strip of mirrored tint on the bottom of my windshield, mostly to hid the bags and some scratches, but it relects back at people and makes me more visable too!