Near miss

[FreeLanceing]

Coming home from my annual SD bird hunting trip, I always stop in Chesterton In for the last chance at White Castle. Growing up in Chicago its like going to Maine and not picking up a lobster if I don't stop. I was at the light waiting for my arrow to go left. I gave the old dog a burger and since he's blind I had to help him locate it. The light had turned and the good citizens behind me were honking. Just as I hit the gas I noticed movement to my left and hit the binders. A fully loaded 18 wheeler blew the light and slid through the intersection 3 ft off my front bumper. Had I gone on green he would have T-Boned me for sure. Being a Harley rider I have learned to drive defensivly. This was a very close call that could have been a real disaster. Be safe out there some folks are in a big hurry.

[Led_67]

OK I gotta step into this...
First, I am glad that neither one of you got hurt.
Second, As for blaming those 18 wheelers for causing all kinds of crashes well I wonder what you would say if you spent one day in their seat.
Yes that does get my blood up yet I have seen a drastic increase in aggresive drivers, Both 4 wheeled and 18 wheeled alike.
OK enough ranting...Just let me close by saying do not judge anybody unless you have spent a day in their lives.

FreeLaceing I did not mean that you were theo one that the second comment was directed at and seeing as you did drive and still have your CDL I respect that.
The second comment was somewhat harsh however as TC owners, especially the bigger rigs, everyone should realize that the combination of todays electronics as well as rules and regulations coupled with the laws of physics I am quite surprised that not more people, includin 18 wheelers, are not involved in accidents.

[spacedoutbob]

That is the reason, I count 1,2,3 and look both ways before easing out into the intersections if I'm the first vehicle at the stoplight. Once driving to a friend's shop less than 2 miles away, I had 5 different people drive right through a stop light at 5 different intersections at least 3 seconds after the light turned green for me. I'm glad to hear that you didn't get hit.

Bob in Calif.

[mkirsch]

I wonder if the people behind you honking realized that they almost got you killed.

[Mote]

Glad you're okay and the truck missed. Around here it's the dump trucks flying thru reds lights, tailgating cars and busting windsheilds with stones as they don't bother to cover their loads.

[Bedlam]

Testing your reaction time when the light turns is better suited for the drag strip than the roads. I always look both directions after the light turns before heading out into the intersection.

I also watch my mirrors when making a stop to ensure the driver behind me is also slowing. That saved me on my motorcycle - I was able to move over as an inattentive driver passed me into an active intersection and t-boned cross traffic. I would have been sandwiched in that mess if I had not seen him coming.

[jmtandem]

Being a Harley rider I have learned to drive defensivly.

.....and probably learned to be a good mechanic, too! Glad you stayed safe at the intersection.

[kerry4951]

Yep, next time you come across one of those slow moving traffic jams (due to a traffic accident) on the interstate just look to see what vehicle(s) are involved in the actual crash. Its usually always an 18 wheeler. The closest I ever came to a bad crash was when an 18 wheeler cut me off while passing because he decided to take an exit ramp in front of me.
I think its great that you also treat your buddy with a White Castle burger. We do the same thing with our spoiled pup. Glad you are both OK.

[brirene]

Glad you were able to dodge that one! Those really get your heart rate up. But that's the first time (and most likely last) that I've seen White Castles compared to Maine lobsters! 🙂

[BradW]

FreeLanceing wrote:
Just as I hit the gas I noticed movement to my left and hit the binders. A fully loaded 18 wheeler blew the light and slid through the intersection 3 ft off my front bumper. Had I gone on green he would have T-Boned me for sure.

Glad you looked both ways before pulling thru a green light. My best friend at work's dad and my next door neighbor's wife were both killed exactly as you describe by an 18 wheeler blowing thru a green light.

We have talked a lot on this forum about TC/weight related safety issues, but what will kill you on the road are drunks and big trucks.

Brad

[covered_wagon]

That's a near disaster. I'm glad you and the doggie are okay.

Here in Oregon the cops aren't seen around much anymore, for some reason and most everyone is collectively speeding. Alot are driving aggressive. Even the big rigs have inched their speeds up a few notches. Just about every hour or so you can see one doing 70 in a 55 zone and tailing a car.

[naturist]

Glad you failed to collect THAT bullet. Sometimes failure is the best option. Also glad you didn't just move to shut up the chorus behind you, and were paying attention to movements in the corner of your eye. Good move, er, non-move on your part.

[powderman426]

Shouldn't this be titled "Near Hit"??

Happy to hear your ok.