Head on

[tsetsaf]

Almost involved in a head on collision today. Car passing the line of cars I was in, all travelling just slightly above the speed limit. Passing car just kept coming even with oncoming traffic approaching. I judged that he would hit right next to me.

Decided to hit my brakes and swerve to the shoulder. Opposing driver did the same. Passing car continued on as if nothing happened. Finally pulling in front of the lead vehicle.

Started a discussion with my wife and thought I would invite your feedback. Now we were speaking with a small sample size but do you believe headons are a direct factor of drivers' unwillingness to slow down? If I had not braked and swerved there would have been an accident. The cars in line behind... continued on right by me without as much as a pause!

Outside of dui and medical emergencies why else would headons happen?

[msgtord]

stupid.

[Nolan]

Nothing new. Just people in a hurry to get some where. Have it happen all the time when driving the truck pulling our trailer. I see them passing me with oncoming traffic, I slow down and let the moron by.

[mich800]

I am not talking about the situation types in the OP that can be avoided. I am referring to when a vehicle in the oncoming lane just drifts or changes lanes unexpectedly.

[mich800]

toedtoes wrote:
Head ons (and other crashes) happen when the last person who can prevent it doesn't take action to prevent it.

Since it is extremely difficult to know beforehand who the "last person who can prevent it" is going to be, then we should always act as though we are the last person who can prevent it and hope that is so.

That is not true. I have been behind in such a situation. It can happen very quickly. I don't care how quick your reaction time and attention is. When it happens the victim in many cases has no time to avoid a collision.

[old_guy]

some people are just plain stupid. passing like that is a good way to kill yourself. the passer should not have tried to pass that many vehicles at once and or should have backed down and got back into the rear of the line

[toedtoes]

Head ons (and other crashes) happen when the last person who can prevent it doesn't take action to prevent it.

Since it is extremely difficult to know beforehand who the "last person who can prevent it" is going to be, then we should always act as though we are the last person who can prevent it and hope that is so.

[navegator]

Recreational drugs or medical maryjane?

Add to that a complete stupid but he has a card for MM.

navegator

[rhagfo]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Lack of depth perception........can't properly judge distances........can't properly calculate approaching vehicles closing speed

STUPIDITY

X2
And I add lack of situational awareness, of the other drivers,surprised the driver behind you didn't honk and flip you off as he drove on unaware! :S

[Old-Biscuit]

Lack of depth perception........can't properly judge distances........can't properly calculate approaching vehicles closing speed

STUPIDITY