Left turning vehicle crashes.
We came up on an active crash scene about 2 years ago. The rider was DOA at the hospital. The impact was so hard the the car driver ended up in critical condition and the HD was broken in half. Neither had an obstructed view.
After that I started using several techniques when approaching a vehicle waiting or approaching for a left turn across my line of travel.
1. Drunken Sailor Maneuver: Slightly tip the bike from side to side. Not enough to indicate you are going to make a turn. This is more easily detected by peripheral vision.*
2. High Beam Signalling: Flip on the high beams. Don't flash as that is often interpreted as a "go ahead" signal.
3. Horn Signalling: Use at least 2 sustained beeps. Short beeps may also be interpreted as a "go ahead" signal. Use at least 2 beeps as the first only announces your presence in the vicinity. The second allows the driver to locate the source of the horn.
4. High Visibility Kit: At least a white or hi-vis helmet color. Forget the graphics (look at the camouflage paint patterns used on WWII Navy ships).
The object is to get noticed, not to be obnoxious. So keeping the high beams on at night, etc, might just get someone angry enough to act out.
I also use these when bicycling on the street.
Please add to this thread with your techniques.
*Side to side movement mentally register better than straight on or away from movements.
We came up on an active crash scene about 2 years ago. The rider was DOA at the hospital. The impact was so hard the the car driver ended up in critical condition and the HD was broken in half. Neither had an obstructed view.
After that I started using several techniques when approaching a vehicle waiting or approaching for a left turn across my line of travel.
1. Drunken Sailor Maneuver: Slightly tip the bike from side to side. Not enough to indicate you are going to make a turn. This is more easily detected by peripheral vision.*
2. High Beam Signalling: Flip on the high beams. Don't flash as that is often interpreted as a "go ahead" signal.
3. Horn Signalling: Use at least 2 sustained beeps. Short beeps may also be interpreted as a "go ahead" signal. Use at least 2 beeps as the first only announces your presence in the vicinity. The second allows the driver to locate the source of the horn.
4. High Visibility Kit: At least a white or hi-vis helmet color. Forget the graphics (look at the camouflage paint patterns used on WWII Navy ships).
The object is to get noticed, not to be obnoxious. So keeping the high beams on at night, etc, might just get someone angry enough to act out.
I also use these when bicycling on the street.
Please add to this thread with your techniques.
*Side to side movement mentally register better than straight on or away from movements.
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