Safe Speed Forums

not sure there was much i could do on this one, but have been pondering so here it is:

went out the other evening in the wife's smart and got to this junction.
i am approaching from the south to turn left & head off west. there is a clear view to the right, its dark so all cars have their lights on.
i can see a car level with the ped x-ing and a good gap behind.
the car is tight to the left (well into the cycle lane) and indicating left to turn into the road i'm waiting in.
i look left, i look again to confirm he's slowing and starting to turn so i pull out.

as he turns my eye is caught by headlights, stupid sod changed his mind i think. but no, he's turned, the headlights are from a car following so closely i hadn't even conceived they'd be there. in hindsight they were probably more toward the centre of the lane so from my POV pretty diametrically opposite the car i was watching.

i stop half into the lane, he stops, apologetic gestures from me and off we go.


another reason tailgating is a bad idea, i guess i'll be more aware that this could happen in future especially with the high contrast expected from headlights.

WELL DONE

Despite having committed yourself, you glimpsed the changing light pattern and reacted appropriately - and adequately.

The profile of the road coming from your right - very gentle curve - will almost certainly hide a tailgater.

Take EVERY opportunity to glimpse up the road from your right - behind the tennis courts it looks like there's a glimpse opportunity. Although some distance, the prevailing traffic there will be going at a constant speed and you will be slowing down.