It Goes Both Ways

 You've seen them on the road before, senior citizens driving down the road with their turn-signal permanently on. My buddy and I were behind one yesterday, and almost witnessed an accident. A man on a Kawasaki Ninja was going to turn left onto the road we were on, saw the car in front of us with the turm-signal going, and decided it was OK to proceed with his turn. Unfortunately the senior citizen was not turning, and I thought for sure they were going to collide.

 Speed is blamed for many accidents, but this time speed prevented one. The rider gouged on the throttle and avoided the accident. Who was at fault in this almost accident? It would depend on who you asked. The driver was not aware his turn-signal was on, so to him the rider was definitely at fault. You know those crazy bikers on their murdercycles! Someone ought to outlaw 'em!

 The rider was probably pissed because the driver was not paying attention. Even if he could not hear his signal going off, surely he could see the blinking light on his instrument cluster. Those damn seniors don't need to be on the road! Someone ought to outlaw them!

 If you ask me, both were at fault. The driver, of course, should have realized his skills were diminishing and compensated for it. If you find that you kleave you signal going, a good driver would develop the habit of looking at his instruments to make sure the signal shut off. No one is a perfect driver, and everyone, including me, can benefit from honest evaluations of their driving skills.

 If you spend any time on a motorcycle, you should realize that you are nearly invisible to motorists. Many drivers never see the bike they hit until it's too late, and a good rider does what he can to compensate for this. It takes constant vigilance, and second guessing what actions the drivers around you are going to take. Will that guy pull out in front of me? Assume he will and plan for it. Check the lane beside you to make sure it's clear, release the throttle to slow y9ou down somewhat, and evaluate the shoulder as a last ditch alternative. Sounds like a lot of work, and it is, but being prepared makes all the difference.

 Of course, brake lights on the front of vehicles would help too. Anyone else think this is a good idea?