Sorry for the somber post, but the headlines got to me. Let these tragic incidents serve as reminders to us and our friends on bikes:
One killed by rear-ending, drunken minivan driver - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/03/nyregion/03cop.html?scp=10&sq=motorcycle+police&st=nyt (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/03/nyregion/03cop.html?scp=10&sq=motorcycle+police&st=nyt)
Another killed by rear-ending, drunken, enraged SUV driver - http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/nyregion/15cop.html?scp=3&sq=motorcycle+Concepcion&st=nyt (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/nyregion/15cop.html?scp=3&sq=motorcycle+Concepcion&st=nyt)
Here's what happened to the drivers (this is what got me to put up the post) - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/15/nyregion/15firefighter.html?partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/15/nyregion/15firefighter.html?partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all)
Many lessons can be learned.
1. avoid an impossible motorbike vs. car battle by pulling to the side of the road when a driver angers you by doing something stupid or dangerous, or when you anger them. Simply speeding up and dusting the driver may lead to vehicular target practice, and inevitably end badly.
2. when you're stopped at a light or stop sign assume that cars coming up from behind don't see you, or see you and are aiming for you. envision and prepare your path to accelerate out of danger when you see the car(s) aren't slowing.
Condolences to all who have lost someone to a crash. Hopefully our preparation and awareness can help us avoid this from happening again.
gaspy