Close call, but avoided it and the flying debris

[semw]

Yesterday during my commute home I was traveling west on I80 past Berkeley. Traffic was heavy, but all 5 lanes of were moving along at 65. There was a large SUV in front of me. Suddenly, the SUV rear ended a stopped full sized pickup with such force that a front tire sheared off the SUV. Fortunately, at that moment I had a 2 second following distance, which is quite unusual in that type of traffic. I skidded, but avoided being involved. Without coming to a stop I ducked into another lane and began dodging the flying debris including the loose tire. Out of nowhere a small car that was hit by the wreck seemed to be set on broadsiding me. I avoided it by speed up and getting by.

Today during my morning commute I was on the same stretch of road going in the other direction at 65mph when I noticed traffic was stopped ahead. You can bet I split lanes for a few car lengths so I would be the last in a line of stopped vehicles.

[dynageno]

Your one lucky person. Your skills as a rider had a lot to do with it also.

[Michael Psycle]

Originally Posted by semw

Yesterday during my commute home I was traveling west on I80 past Berkeley. Traffic was heavy, but all 5 lanes of were moving along at 65. There was a large SUV in front of me. Suddenly, the SUV rear ended a stopped full sized pickup with such force that a front tire sheared off the SUV. Fortunately, at that moment I had a 2 second following distance, which is quite unusual in that type of traffic. I skidded, but avoided being involved. Without coming to a stop I ducked into another lane and began dodging the flying debris including the loose tire. Out of nowhere a small car that was hit by the wreck seemed to be set on broadsiding me. I avoided it by speed up and getting by.

Today during my morning commute I was on the same stretch of road going in the other direction at 65mph when I noticed traffic was stopped ahead. You can bet I split lanes for a few car lengths so I would be the last in a line of stopped vehicles.

I ride or drive through that stretch of I80 many times each week. I was in my car yesterday and got stuck in the traffic mess created by the accident you mentioned. I'm real glad you are ok.

[HDSickness]

Yuuuuuppppppp.....Worst drivers anywhere are in the bay.
Berzerkly libtard FREAKS!!!!!

[LOHAWG]

I love a good success story. Sounds like you were on top of things. I'm normally not a fan of lane splitting but a choice wisely taken in your case I think.

[semw]

Originally Posted by dynageno

Your one lucky person. Your skills as a rider had a lot to do with it also.

Thanks. I don't consider myself an experienced rider, though. I've got 15k miles on my RK, my first bike. I was pretty shaken and pretty lucky. This is the kind of thing that makes you think about following distance, even when traffic is heavy and cars cut in and you really can't keep a safe distance.

[mgb939]

These are the things I fear on every ride. Once I was passing a 18 wheeler and one of the outside trailer tires decided to blow, I was ahead of the tire a little bit, but scared the crap out of me!

[hardheaded]

splitting lanes is scary,don't take much for someone to take you out.

[gb1500]

well done!....right on skills....yeah after your heart stops slamming ...i usually pat myself on the back and feel like i could do the indy 500.... a less of a rider would have muckked it up....also you must white line correctly and slowly...to live that is.

Had an F18 at 110% almost blow me off the bike one time on a low surprise fly by... in the dessert...i almost pissed my pants....and i was pissed off too.

[Hot Sparks]

Glad to here you was on your toe's. if you hadn't been watching it would have been bad.

[sporty952]

Been by Target yet to get your new skivvies??

[davidw221]

That's where the pucker factor comes into play!

[davidw221]

I bet you need to go buy a new seat too, ripped the stiching right out

[Mr Cujo]

Glad you came out ok. Having the time (following distance) and the attention to detail (debris), and the presence of mind to avoid (decisive and evasive action) being just a another comment on an accident report are all things that many many riders do not use individually, let alone more than one item at a time.
To be sure, there is a certain amount of luck involved in avoiding any crash like that, but you upped your odds A LOT by using the tools you used.

Living through such "teaching moments" are what will make you an even better rider.

Don't forget the lesson... and have many happy miles

[Sarge12R]

Glad you made it ok!