"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment." Will Rogers
OK, it is that time of year again. Brighter days especially with Day Light Savings is here early giving us longer day light hours. You will be easier to be seen, BUT! Remember, just because you THINK a driver sees you does not mean they do. Couple of things to think about during the warm months; solar glare is still a problem due to low Sun angles albeit different from the winter angles. If you are having trouble seeing so is everyone else, especially if they are behind a dirty windshield.
Always think like someone driving a car, especially if it is raining. Side view mirrors on most cars are virtually useless, so you can inadvertently sneak up on a driver taking a right hand turn that might otherwise plainly see you. Plus, most people have no clue how to properly use side mirrors either.
Dress accordingly, even just a bright helmet can be the difference between being seen and not.
I rode a motorcycle for years, always with lights on, and even with an extra set of spot lights which made for three large lights, I still had my close calls. Drivers look right past small fast moving objects, unless something catches their eye.
Back in the day, I was hit three times by cars while riding a bicycle…all three times…All the drivers that hit me said..."I never saw him!"
And all three times it was in broad daylight.
At night, you become nearly invisible. Think about it, we have all experienced not seeing a person on the side of the road until that last second.
Now think about this. Add in the fact that you are a fast moving nearly invisible object at night with loads of background lights and other moving objects.
Even to those that are very aware of bicycles, unless you are well marked by lights, you are just darn near impossible to see.
So, please be responsible and wear bright colors and use lights, those that have a flashing mode are no doubt the best.
September 11th Always Remember!