Dangers of Yellow lights

July 22 was one of the hottest days of the summer. I believe the temperature was nearly 100F. During my commute home I found myself following a fellow rider on a Kawasaki Vulcan. We road through Plumsteadville, Pa. together. As we approached the last intersection out of town the light turned yellow. As is my custom I checked my mirrors for any sign of a speeding car and, seeing none, slowed to a stop for the light. The rider in front of me continued through the light. Without notice a car coming towards us who had been waiting to turn left did so directly in front of him. He tried to stop but, given the lack of warning, slid into the left front bumper of the oncoming car. His body was thrown parallel to the ground, slamming into the front grill of the car. I stopped to offer what assistance I could and have given statements to both insurance companies.

I road home wondering who the other rider wasn’t going to make it home to see, who would be wondering why he was running late and how all that confusion and pain may have been avoided had he just stopped for the yellow light. Not that he did anything illegal or incorrect but we must assume we are invisible (which I believe he was to the driver whom I believe was on a cell phone at the time). It was hot, I was wearing a light armored jacket that day, but we owe it to ourselves and those waiting home for us, to be as careful as we can and to continually develop an internal set of guidelines for riding that we practice daily to the point where they become second nature.

A few of my own internal rules:
Never (except of course, in a panic stop) use my brakes without checking my mirrors
Never drive through a yellow light unless not doing so may cause me to be struck from the rear
Always wear a helmet, boots and jeans (at the bare minimum)
Never ride more than 10-15 mph faster than the flow of traffic on 2+ lane roads
Always assume there is an obstacle hiding behind a truck that I can’t see around or over
Never ride in anyone’s blind spot longer than is necessary

more later…

1 Comment

  1. Budman (Post author)

    Spoke to his attorney today. 2 broken pelvic bones, broken kneecap and broken ankle. Confined to a wheelchair until he heals.

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