Hit & Run

[biikChiQ]

Yesterday afternoon when I went back to work from lunch, I witnessed a hit and run.
I came to a red light intersection (was driving my car) to make a left turn at the intersection. I noticed a beautiful sportsbike to the left hand side of the intersection. He was going straight from his lane, but it was a red light for him too. So I just sat there in my car admiring his motorcycle. The guy was chillin on his bike with no hands on the handlebar so he was in neutral, but when his light had turned green, he bent down for the handlebars in which he didn't take off immediately or at all but kinda looked down to see where he was at (I am not sure exactly what he was doing), then all of a sudden, the woman in the car behind him (that was already there) just went and hit the motorcycle. The guys head flew back and his motorcycle stayed where it was, thank goodness he had his hand on the brakes and he did not fall. His tail lights and entire back of his motorcycle flew everywhere. He did look back but I didn't know what the guy was gonna do, was he gonna get off of his motorcycle and get her info and call the cops? Which he didn't at all. Could it have been that it was heavy traffic and he didn't want to block traffic? Or was he so shocked he didn't come into action?
Then I see this darn car trying to squeeze in again to pass the motorcycle and immediately I knew she was gonna take off. I tried to get a glimpse of her plates, but it was just too far. She couldn't make the squueze, so she backed up and took off! When it was my turn to go, I made my left turn and looked to the way he went and he was parked to the side by himself. No car. My assumption is that not even the other cars that were right there beside or behind that woman took down her plates info. It's frustrating to see a hit and run in general, but especially to see one of your own.
I am still shocked and shaken up by it because I was admiring and gazing at this bike in a good mood, then imagine something crashing into it and ruining your daydream.

It just shows how dangerous this sport is, no matter how safe we make it for ourselves, there's always gonna be that unpredictable dumb driver. Even though I wasn't riding, I learned from this that you should never let your guard down when coming to a red light EVEN if the car behind you has come to a complete stop. I'll admit, at red lights I'm not really as defensive as when I first started riding.
If it takes awhile for you to take off or if you even stall, there's a chance the car behind you will hit you if they aren't aware or not paying attention, whatever it is.

.... Continue riding safe.

[ridingAK]

I'm always very cautious, for this exact reason. I hope the guy was okay, and that he has insurance that will cover this loss.

[KellyVA]

I hope the guy is OK too. That must have been a real shock to your system as well. :hug2:

One of the things our instructors emphasized was at a stop always keep you bike in first gear and ready to go in case you see someone coming up behind you that isn't going to stop and you need to make a quick move to get out of the way and also so you are ready to go when the light turns green. I've read about many bikes being rear ended in this same scenario.
I bet the lady who hit him didn't have any insurance and maybe not even a license. Sucks!!!!

[Dualsport Chic]

Is it me or does there seem to be an ever increasing incidence of hit & runs?? Sure seems that way here in CT - even when pedestrians are hit. It's so sad and shocking how many people try to evade responsibility when the party they have hit could be gravely injured or worse.

It makes me wonder what has changed over the decades (should my gut be correct about this becoming a larger issue over time) and how we as a society can work to return folks back to being accountable for their actions. Would be interested to see what TWF'rs think about this alarming trend . . .

Hope the rider is ok and that insurance can compensate him for the damage sustained.

Truly disturbing. :gaah:

[ridingAK]

It does seem to happen more now, though I wonder how much of that appearance is due to better communication via the internet. Realistically, we wouldn't hear about most accidents if it weren't for the www.

[sweptwingnut]

Or that there are more motorcycles on the road during this economic crunch.

[zukilady]

Both good points...

I too remember being specifically taught to keep it in first gear at stop or intersection in case you have to take off quickly. OTOH, although it doesn't appear to be the case here, sometimes you just have to take your hand away for a moment. I had that plastic piece that fits your nose sticking up out of its slots the other day and it was just up enough to make me nuts till I could fix it. Murphy's Law states those unusual moments of letting your guard down are the ones when an incident will happen!

[ImaSoftT]

Ratio wise, accidents per X number of bikes is something I have not been able to find a study on, but I would tend to agree it does seem like there is an increased number. I still think the pulsating head and tail lights should be mandatory on all motorcycles. We have discussed this issue before and I believe that would cut down on a fair number of the "I didn't see him" accidents.

When I was on the interstate today I was about 50 or 60 ft. behind an old flatbed truck that was loaded with what appeared to be junk, then a bike passed me an got up behind the truck. The bike didn't have any lights on so the entire time he was behind the flatbed I literally could not see him at all, he just blended into all the junk on the bed of the truck. Luckily he found an opening and pulled out to pass the truck and I gave a sigh of relief.

Which brings up another point, I hate to ride behind any vehicle that has a open load, and get around them at the earliest opportunity. You never know when something is going to dislodge and become a missile headed right at you.

Please ride safely and try to pick the most visible spot you can find as well as the one that puts you in the least amount of jeopardy.

[VStar]

I very rarely go into neutral at a light unless I have to take my hand off the clutch to do something I can't do with my right, was taught that at the MSF class. I do go into neutral at a railroad crossing, I can see the end of the train and be in first when it's time to continue. I always turn and look at how much space the car behind has left, if it's not enough, I'll keep turning back and hope the driver figures out that he's too close and gets the hint for the next light. I guess I should also hope he doesn't have a gun.
I try to leave enough room on the car infront to give me an escape route, never had to use it, don't really know if I have the skills to execute.

[sweptwingnut]

In line with the MSF instruction, I stay in gear at the light and watch my mirrors. Only on the rare occasion when I need to make a quick adjustment do I put the bike in neutral. And only for that moment.

[phoenix63]

In line with the MSF instruction, I stay in gear at the light and watch my mirrors. Only on the rare occasion when I need to make a quick adjustment do I put the bike in neutral. And only for that moment.

+1 - and that was my first thought, too. He wasn't in gear and watching his mirrors so he could move forward if necessary. Of course, it doesn't absolve the hit and run driver of her responsibility. And, like KellyVA, I wonder if she was uninsured. I hope the rider was ok.

[zukilady]

+2

[biikChiQ]

I hope the guy is OK too. That must have been a real shock to your system as well. :hug2:

One of the things our instructors emphasized was at a stop always keep you bike in first gear and ready to go in case you see someone coming up behind you that isn't going to stop and you need to make a quick move to get out of the way and also so you are ready to go when the light turns green. I've read about many bikes being rear ended in this same scenario.
I bet the lady who hit him didn't have any insurance and maybe not even a license. Sucks!!!!


It was a total shock to my system! and yes I remember learning the same thing in the MSF class too. I guess this is a reminder and lesson learned for me.

[Luna Tique]

In line with the MSF instruction, I stay in gear at the light and watch my mirrors. Only on the rare occasion when I need to make a quick adjustment do I put the bike in neutral. And only for that moment.

Me too :thumbsup: My eyes are constantly scanning.

:chin:I do not know if there is really an increase in hit 'n runs. As rAK mentioned the www gets the information out there giving us quick access to it,

Or maybe during this economic (disaster) crunch more drivers could be in a situation where the choice is feeding their family or paying the insurance man :shrug:If economic reasons are ever the reason it still doesn't justify leaving the scene of an accident.
Hopefully there was a camera at the intersection and they will catch the driver.
I hope the rider is ok and his insurance covers his bike rebuild.

[Follow]

That's just wrong, any update? did she get busted? I hope so.

[Paragon]

Dang, that would have scared the heck out of me. I hope they find her...at least LOOK for her.

I took the scooter out on another test run and was stopped at a light. I watched a Mustang come up behind me, and keep creeping....until I turned in the seat to look at him. Anyone can see by the tilt of my head that I am watching in the mirror....so it's very obvious who I am looking at if I turn my head like that. He stopped. Sometimes they don't, though.

Once, and only once, did I turn and put out my hand in a "stop" gesture. That was risky, I knew, but she just would not stop creeping.

Good thing about the scooter is that it is always in gear. Well, that can be a BAD thing as well. :lol:

[biikChiQ]

she got away with it but in that town they have cameras so I hope he'll turn to that.

and Paragon, I experience the same!!!! it's annoying that they don't get the hint to stay away! thhats why I have decided to leave 2 car lengths between me n the car in front of me..

[ImaSoftT]

I have decided to leave 2 car lengths between me n the car in front of me..

In Dallas a 2 car length space is just begging some idiot to try and squeeze into it just so they can get a few feet closer to the light. I usually leave about a bikes length, that gives me enough room to move around the car in front if needed but not enough to invite the idiots to try and move in.

[LiLiBug]

I have to say that that lady is lucky I was not there to witness that accident :mad: I would have chased her down! I get so infuriated at hit and run drivers. My mom's car was just totaled by an attempted hit and run driver but the neighbor caught him trying to flee and reached in and shut the car off and took the guys cars keys. Turns out he was drunk. The car was thankfully parked.

I want to just add that this is an incident that is near and dear to us. A few months ago, a scooter cut our teenage son off and "slammed" right into the side of him. He immediately pulled over and called the cops himself and stayed with gentleman. The guy was seriously injured and has required surgery. Even though he was absolved of any wrong doing, my son has parents that ride and would NEVER run from an accident, his fault or not.

I am always in gear at a stop sign/light and when I see someone coming up behind me I flash my brakes. 9 time out of 10 they stop way back thinking something is wrong.

Rather be safe than sorry.

[phoenix63]

I have to say that that lady is lucky I was not there to witness that accident :mad: I would have chased her down! I get so infuriated at hit and run drivers. My mom's car was just totaled by an attempted hit and run driver but the neighbor caught him trying to flee and reached in and shut the car off and took the guys cars keys. Turns out he was drunk. The car was thankfully parked.

I want to just add that this is an incident that is near and dear to us. A few months ago, a scooter cut our teenage son off and "slammed" right into the side of him. He immediately pulled over and called the cops himself and stayed with gentleman. The guy was seriously injured and has required surgery. Even though he was absolved of any wrong doing, my son has parents that ride and would NEVER run from an accident, his fault or not.

I am always in gear at a stop sign/light and when I see someone coming up behind me I flash my brakes. 9 time out of 10 they stop way back thinking something is wrong.

Rather be safe than sorry.

First... I'm soooooo glad both your Mom and son are ok. Wow... thank goodness for your Mom's neighbor stopping that dude from leaving.

and +1 on the flashing your brakes. Great idea.

[Paragon]

I forgot to add: I am the biggest flasher of brake lights. Yes, they DO tend to stay back further sometimes: LT has it, they think something is wrong.

And I'll "go there" too: so many scooter riders don't have training. I don't know about NH, but here 50cc and under requires only a regular driver's license. So they never have to take the BRC.

[LiLiBug]

I forgot to add: I am the biggest flasher of brake lights. Yes, they DO tend to stay back further sometimes: LT has it, they think something is wrong.

And I'll "go there" too: so many scooter riders don't have training. I don't know about NH, but here 50cc and under requires only a regular driver's license. So they never have to take the BRC.

Same here. No training required for scooters. :slaphead:

[Paragon]

Same here. No training required for scooters. :slaphead:

Oops, mis ID'd you in my post. I'll blame the ambien. ;)

But in general, I think any 2 or 3 wheeler without training is just a menace. Why would there even BE training available if it was so easy to do? I run into that with firearms, too. Sometimes the kids (Mexicans) here find out I own a gun. Then the conversation almost always turns to "I want to go shooting!" When I tell them there is a range that rents guns nearby, they say, "oh, I will go there." NO, you won't. Not without me, because the range will give only the basics of operating the gun. Stupid things are dangerous; you don't just point and shoot....or climb on and scoot. It's the same concept.

I want to shake some of these riders. I got behind one going home the other day (this is kinda rare). We were turning left onto a four lane, from two left turn lanes. His plate said he was under 21, and it was probably a 50cc. We turned and he needed to change lanes and make a left into a nearby apartment complex. He put on his signal, and then scooted in front of a car and then into his turn lane. This is all in the space of 2/5 of a mile. I thought, that was a little close.

And if he knew he was going there, why didn't he get into the left turn lane in the first place and simply negate the need to change lanes....and in front of that car?

A menace, I say.

[Luna Tique]

I am very happy to hear you have raised your son to be honorable. Your hard work has paid off LiliBug :thumbup:

I forgot to add: I am the biggest flasher of brake lights. Yes, they DO tend to stay back further sometimes: LT has it, they think something is wrong..

Yes I do.
I used to do the flashing my brake light manually but the modulating system works even better at getting their attention.


I am always in gear at a stop sign/light and when I see someone coming up behind me I flash my brakes. 9 time out of 10 they stop way back thinking something is wrong.

Rather be safe than sorry.

This is why I think ALL motorcycles should come standard with a modulating brake light I see the difference in how people behind me react every day with mine.

ALSO if in doubt you are being seen you can and should use YOUR HORN.

[LiLiBug]

Oops, mis ID'd you in my post. I'll blame the ambien. ;

No worries! As you can see LT also flashes her brakes! :lol:

I am very happy to hear you have raised your son to be honorable. Your hard work has paid off LiliBug :thumbup:

Thank you LT. With teenagers, we are on them all the time. These are dangerous times and in so many ways, teens need us parents more than toddlers!

[opaque_machete]

First... I'm soooooo glad both your Mom and son are ok. Wow... thank goodness for your Mom's neighbor stopping that dude from leaving.

and +1 on the flashing your brakes. Great idea.

:iagree: