Temper Control

[daviddowns2000]

Today must have been a good day for rear-ender wannabes: At about 1:30 this afternoon I was approaching an intersection northbound on US-1 here in Miami on my SV650 when the light up ahead turned yellow. I probably could have made it through before it turned red but I didn't want to chance it. In Miami, like other cities, running red lights is the national sport so I quickly looked in the mirror to see if it was safe as I started to hit the brakes. F***!! The Suburban behind me was coming really fast and looked like she wanted to run the light, so I swerved over and straddled the line between my lane and the one on my left as I stopped. Fraction of a second later, the Suburban lurches to a stop next to me. If I had not straddled the lanes, I'm sure she would have converted me and the bike into a grease smudge. This kind of stuff happens all the time here in Miami, so I have gotten to the point where I just shake my head and move on. In this case, however, her open window was 2 feet from my head as we sat there, so I shouted "you need to be more careful or you are gonna kill someone". My visor was down and she gave no indication of even hearing me. In retrospect, I probably should have just gone on through the intersection like almost everyone else does instead of stopping. Better to get a ticket than squished. Running red lights is nearly epidemic in this country. I'm all in favor of the cameras that catch violators (they clearly reduce violations and deaths overall from cars hitting pedestrians and from side-on collisions) except that rear end collisions do increase when they are used. Just gotta be hyper-alert if you are gonna play in traffic on a bike.

 

[zzkenoman]

I know quite a few guys who still do the same thing when someone "almost" hits you from any direction. When you ride to work, your stress is already high then add in idiot drivers and the combo could be fatal someday. Ride when you know your perfect conditions, like when I ride on my day off, on a road less traveled, all the "honey do lists" are done, work stress left at the office, then I don't have to worry about running into idiot drivers. However I've learned to keep my cool in any situation, but...there have been times when I had to commute through 60 miles of stop and go traffic, contemplating bringing a baseball bat to anyone who didn't let me split lanes. Remember check your stress level and, no one wins when they are angry.

 

[mbottoms]

Glad to see your OK Steve.

I like to at least know that they are aware that they did something wrong or negligent.

If I get an "I'm sorry look or something similar", I'm OK,

but if they are between that

age of 18-28 and I get that "Oblivious Look", then I want to wrap my fingers around their ignorant neck and you know the rest.....

It takes all the fiber I can muster to let it go when you see they don't give a damn.

I probably would have reacted the same way, can't stand thoes "PUNK ASS BASTARDS".

I do make it a point to always keep an eye on whats happening behind me though, especially when I am comming up to an intersection.

Stay Strong,

Mark

 

[GunMD]

I suspect that you have already learned from this experience. Even before you got some reactions from other members of the forum you knew that things could have gone bad in this situation. You watch...unless you're a total psychopath, the next time something like this happens it will be a bit easier to "get over it" right away. It's been my experience that the second time you get the crap scared out of your due to similar actions (or lack thereof) of a cager it's easier to accept...perhaps the "shock & surprise" factor is a bit lower after that initial incident.

Either way, I bet you're exhausted...anger and rage wears me out like no workout ever could.

Glad you're safe.

Oh, and just think...you gave that kid a good story to tell his buddies. It will likely include the following comment: "That old fucker is just lucky I didn't get out of my Cavalier and kick the crap out of him..."

 

[radman]

Is it possible that you were partly pissed at yourself for not having seen him coming a little sooner? I doubt there is an experienced biker out there who hasn't had to dive for the shoulder to escape a rear ender. I know it was not your fault and there was nothing you could have done about it, but the element of surprise may be what pushed you over the edge.
Oh, and it is good to see that you are seeking advice and not taking our comments the wrong way... except for Radman's comments, of course   

The reason I come down hard is because too many people have come through the near miss totally intact only to get shot, beat to shit, or arrested in the aftermath. Now that is fucked up, doncha think? I have had DB's scenario played out at least a dozen times (50 mile daily commute on freeways through rush hour traffic), and man oh man I have wanted to K some A, but I know that I could very well lose the battle, and I try to temper my actions due to the fact I will be back on this same road, tommorrow, cruising with the same crowd. The last bad nut case I had to deal with, I went to the cops with the pertinent info and left it at that. If the day comes I get a fatal illness, I'll have a different plan, but for now, I just don't need the hassle.

 

[Scab]

Rad is the voice of your dad. Listen. That advice will never get you killed.

I feel for you, dude. Really. Same thing happened not long ago. I was lucky, in that I was first in line where 2 lanes were turning from one major highway to another. I too, heard the screeching of tires, looked in the mirror to check my six to find a full-size chevy truck dang near plowing his front bumper on his way to smacking my arse. Being first in line, I dumped the clutch and used the 30 yards of "no-mans-land" out in the middle.

So, what did I do? As my heart beat like thunder, I waited for the light. Then I proceeded to the nearest "quick-rip" store. Stopped in, bought me a dew and smoked a couple of winston lights.

Just keep your cool, man. There are 2 things that always happen from an incident like this.

1. I will now watch my 6 more closely.

2. The guy in the truck will definately be looking for bikes for awhile.

Really. And isn't that what we all want anyway? Even when it appears the cagers don't care, it shakes them up as much as it does us. No one wants to take anyone out and have that on the conscience. Any confrontation only justifies what ever happens next. Like the guy that ran over the harley rider. What I really wanted is what happened. Cager is going to pay attention next time.

Just remember. You can't pick a fight with a cage and win. You can be right and dead. It's better just to live another day. Fuss at us. We will all agree with you. Just don't go getting yourself killed. I really don't have time to go to Mississippi for a funeral right now.

 

[FJRski]

Once again...

Discretion is the better part of valor.

I can definitely relate to donaldb's reaction. Would have done the same or worse myself as a youngster. Used to carry 2 feet or so of 1.5-in. case-hardened chain to lock my bike. Makes a nice window knocker, if you know what I mean, and it works at speed if you just toss it gently. That was then, this is now. Pull over or change direction. That piece of crap isn't worth your time.

Read the post on how many members ride with guns. Other people carry guns too. That social/emotional misfit acting out in traffic might just be armed, and life may be cheap in his part of town.

Ride to live!;-)

 

[twowheelnut]

Man, you are fucked up. Get some help before someone sticks a nine in your face and alters your reality for good. Getting pissed is one thing, looking for a fight is another.

How's the therapy coming, Mr. Bootinthedoor? :haha:

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I recommend moving to California where you can lane share and it's a lot harder for cars to rear end you as you slip through traffic without a care.

As far as kdis go, I have (drum roll please), an 18, 16 and 15 year old. My son turned 18 on Sunday. By June 12, my daughters will be 16 and 17.

I actually have hope for this generation (thank GOODNESS!!!)

Not all kids are the "I don't care type". Just go to my last ride report to see a goalie being carried off the field by a bunch of kids that care a LOT!

 

[Maddog]

DonaldB,

I've been there. Not quite to the extent that I got off the bike but close. Once rage sets in none of the advice given in this thread will mean squat. The trick is to avoid the rage.

"Do nothing" is great advice but it doesn't work for me. I need revenge. What I have managed to do is to define revenge as going faster than my stupid driver opponent. Living in California gives me the opportunity to split lanes making me virtually uncatchable by a cage in SoCal rush hour traffic (120 miles round trip everyday).

Do not beat yourself up about this. It happened, no one is hurt, so it is over. However, as others have pointed out, learn from this event. Try to find another way to handle the next stupid driver. And there will be another stupid driver.

By way, as others have observed, any sign of contrition by the driver results in my anger going away. It is the idiots who don't care that piss me off.

Good luck.

Larry

 

[Toynut]

Donaldb,

I have had the misfortune (or good fortune, depending how you look at it) of being rearended at traffic light 3-4 times in my life, as well as being T-boned by red light runners a couple of times. Luckily, I was always in a cage at the time(typically an SUV), always happened while I was waiting at a red light. I have been fortunate not to have been injured by any of these dimwits. I am surprised at the total composure that I can still maintain after being hit, probably due to relief of a lack of personal injury at the time. While I can't do anything to make other drivers more alert or even vaguely responsible around me, I have picked up a few self preservation "tricks" that are now almost automatic.

I always leave at least a car length between me and the car in front of me at a stoplight. This is particularily important when driving in bad neighborhoods, as you may need a quick exit path to avoid a potential bump and carjack. I never pull up all the way forward in the left turn lane(at least one car length back) at a light. This is to keep a late left turner on a red light from overcorrecting or clipping the inside of the left lane(yours), when coming from your right. My built in paranoia keeps me watching my mirrors till I know one or two cars have stopped behind me. I always leave it in gear just in case I need to launch the bike/ car forward. I have also taken the precaution of installing headlight modulators (Kisan) on all of my bikes, as well as tailight flashers.

Most of all.......... after an incident,......... I always go home and hug the wife and kids like there is no tomorrow.................They are the only thing to bring a sense of balance and sanity to it all!

Glad you didn't get hurt! Oh, don't forget to pet the dog, either! :friends:

 

[dcarver]

At the fully testosteroned and brave age of 19, sitting first in line at the red light of Sepulveda and Manchester in Los Angeles, checked my mirrors and saw a yellow cab taxi veering down on me. No way was he going to stop in time so I launched the Honda Cb750 directly into the busy intersection narrowly missing cross traffic. It was very very close and it all happened in verrrryy slooooow motion.

The taxi was hit by cross traffic and was disabled. The cab ended up perhaps 30 feet away from where I had parked the Cb750 on the sidewalk in front of SavOn.

The cab driver was unhurt. Matter of fact, he wanted a fight; he was cussing me out, questioning my family ancestry, and carrying a large metal flashlight that looked more like a billy club than anything else.

I calmly removed my saddle bag lid, located my heavy chain and lock....started toward him, which caused him to back up, then broke every f#@$# window outta that cab before turning again in his direction.

He saw the look on my face and just ran. I chased, but could not catch him. He was MOTIVATED. It was almost comical. Who knows what would have happened if I was close to enough to strike. The crowd that gathered just stood there dumbfounded.

Got back to the bike before law officers arrived and just left. Never heard a word about it, no contact from LAPD, nada.

Would not try that again in today's society.. and realize how dumb it was.. but.. it sure was satisfying at the time and I still grin thinking about it.

My only comment would be that if foolsih enough to confront, at least have an esacpe plan available.. your bike will fit between narrow buildings, lines of cars, etc. Use this to your advantage should you choose to foolishly confront.

 

[evilmedic13]

It's happened to me a little too often. Even w/ missy onboard,I wanna hit the sob's but then realize Iwould probably get time off from work if any police are involved which,in this day of pu$$ies that can't take an ass whippin, they probably would be. So,i just gettheir license plate # and have Missy or one of our friends write 'em a nice handicap spot or fire hydrant parking violation($150)

Sure they probably get out of it,but the hassle is ENORMOUS over here,there is no parking and you MUST show up in person to dispute it. Oh yeah,weekdays only! :lol:

 

[Geezer]

(snip) Used to carry 2 feet or so of 1.5-in. case-hardened chain to lock my bike. Makes a nice window knocker, if you know what I mean, and it works at speed if you just toss it gently. (snip)

My brother was once intentionally shoved off the road by a car full of teenagers out for a joy ride. He wasn't hurt and his bike wasn't damaged, but he started carrying a 3 pound lump hammer in a holster after than. Fortunately, he never used it.

 

[sparky3008]

Years ago in Silver Spring I got cut off in my truck, an everyday occurance, but this one just rubbed me wrong. So, I decided I would return the favor. Well, of course he wasn't going to take it either so he cut me off again. His passenger rolled down the window and started giving me some friendly gestures so I decided I would try and roll up beside him and grab his hand. Well, to my surprise as I got close enough up poked the barrell of a rifle and you can imagine my fright. I hit the gas, ran the light and dodged into my building parking garage as fast as I could. Man was my heart pumping.

Years later, and just recently, I was on the highway and a kid and his girlfriend were to my left. He started to change lanes without ever turning his head. I saw it coming as I was watching him and I simply rolled right and accellerated. As I passed him I moved back in front of him and turned around and just pointed at him as to say, you just missed me. As I turned around, out of the corner of my eye, I saw another car about to run into me because I wasn't paying attention and I just barely missed him. I didn't turn around this time I just kept going.

When I was about 17 I had someone cut me off and then I cut them off. At the next light he got out of his car and came up to mine pounding on the door wanting me to get out. Even though he had done it first, it was ok for him but he didn't like it returned. People are funny that way.

Anyway I never got out of the car but I did have my 6 inch knife in my hand down below the door just in case. This guy was as big as a house.

What am I saying, you just never know.

Keep it under control and go home, hug your wife, kids, dog whatever is there waiting for ya and be thankful you made it through another day.

We all on this forum do something that is not liked, thought about, or understood by the majority of society. Motorcycling...

 

[FJRottie]

It doesn't matter what you do, it will not stop. You cannot fix the morons.

Every day new morons show up on the road. Take deep breaths and move on.

If they do something that warrants it, take down their plate and report them.

Go back to your life and take your of yourself. Take pride in your defensive riding ability.

Remember, it will not stop. You cannot fix the morons.

blah blah blah. B)

 

[wheatonFJR]

I understand the anger but am against the get out of the truck( or off the bike) and personally confront the idiot.

I had a friend/acquaintance in high school that I read about (see what's coming?) who was an off-duty cop that had a confrontation with some bad ass who had violated some traffic safety rule. The bast*rd got out of his truck and stabbed my friend repeatedly with a huge ass knife. My friend drove himself the THREE blocks to the hospital but died in the ER. He left a widow.

The police found this guy later, but it was too late for my friend.

Moral:

Leave the anger alone and live another day...

 

[donaldb]

I like a term Igee used the other day--picking at scabs---so this thread probably needs to die on out. I have enjoyed reading everybody's responses and the one thing I see in common is that there is nothing in common, or a similar phrase "can we all agree to disagree?" Everyone will respond differently in such situations and therefore I guess there is no right answer.

I will say this again, when I looked this kid in the eye, he really and truly did not have a caring bone in his body for what he had just done. The most irresponsible and inconsiderate SOB I have ever had the unfortunate pleasure to encounter. This experience was more than just a simple mistake, I recognize mistakes for what they are and would never react in such a manner as I did in this occurrence. I really don't know how to explain it, I don't guess it was an intentional act on the kids part, but there is this gut feeling after confronting him that the negligence was so gross that it was boarderline intentional, or at the very least, a I don't give a sh*t if I hit you or not attitude--there again--you'd just had to have been there. I hope I never have another such encounter w/such despicable humanity.

I'm glad Stef and wife are ok! I'm glad I'm ok! I hope that should a similar situation arise for another forum member that you retain enough clarity/sanity in such a moment to recall this thread, should you decide to do nothing or to confront. If you do confront, may I make the suggestion that beating on the other guys windshield is not the best alternative or solution, however, it does make you feel better. :lol:

Good luck out there everybody, this type experience I guess is needed from time to time--it helps keep you honest & humble. It also serves to re-evaluate why we ride and if it's still worth the risk, and that is simply a personal question we each have to ask ourselves. I have asked myself that ? several times since yesterday and for me, at this time, it's still worth it.

 

[Fallen Jim Rides again]

I've posted on this subject before and it is still futile to confront morons on the road.

However; occasionally when I have time or am not in a big hurry and some has done something obviously endangering me on the bike I let them know that I am unhappy and then fall back.

Legal distance or better. And I follow at a safe distance. All the way home if possible. Sometimes it clearly scares them when they realize that there is no way they can get away and I don't have to confront them at all. Just know where they are going and can be found later. I never get close enough for a positive ID and NEVER confront them or allow them to confront me.

Hopefully this makes them think in the future before jacking around with a biker.

For the record, I have never returned to the location. Just want the morons to realize that it can be done. Actually can be kind of fun and vents anger without confrontation.

YMMV

 

[Mike-H]

Runaway....Runaway.....learn from your mistakes & live to ride another day B) (What a poet excuse me while upchuck on myself) :blink: