Bad Drivers
Yesterday I had my first 'accident'. A car bashed me while I was stopped on Prince George drive to allow a herd of cattle to cross. It was the most bizarre incident:
- Two lanes of traffic, between the Marina da Gama and Military road. I see a commotion ahead, spot a herd of cattle trying to cross, and turn on my hazards to warn others.
- I am in the left lane and slow down and almost stop behind a stopped car (I am standing and balancing). As is my habit, I am in the middle of the lane.
- Suddenly I am knocked sideways from the right, and see a white nissan sentra right next to me on the right. I don't fall since I just swerve left.
- The car hit my pot and has a big dent in the side. The driver is an older coloured woman. I don't see any damage on my bike, and motion that the driver should pay better attention. She ignores me.
- I want to make a scene, maybe block her way and get details, but I am chaperoning Julie who is two cars behind and don't want to stress her. So I pull over and wait for Julie to catch up and then ride home with Julie.
- Anyway, I am not hurt, the bike has not a scratch, and she has a big dent that is going to be hard to explain away to her grown-up children!
What I found amazing was her complete ignoring of me. She pushes in rudely, hits me, and then stares straight ahead as if nothing had happened. She was not alone in the car either. No sign of apology, no recognition that something went wrong - just closed windows and averted eyes.
My friend Gavin was telling me how he witnessed a motorbiker hammering at a car that was ignoring him, and eventually kicked a dent in the car door while vloeking like a madman. I can understand that frustration. I was half-inclined to kick off the old bat's mirror, but lucky for her when I have my stomping GS boots on I cannot lift my foot that high! Anyway, Mr.Badger had already kicked a dent in her car 
Let's hope that when she goes to renew her license next time she is pulled off the road for insufficient eyesight...
I saw the same herd. I must just missed the incident.
A month ago I too stood at the robot at Military and Prince George drive waiting for the robot to change green. Next moment I felt a bump from behind.
Also a "white" bantam bakkie who accidently pressed his petrol rather than his brakes. I asked him very politely if he saw me since I wear a yellow vest and stopped a car length away from the car in front. I was on my brakes and he should have seen my back lights too. I asked him if he did not want to come a bit closer so that he can see my number plate a bit better.
And of course no insurance but luckily he had his drivers licence. Took out the cell phone and took pictures of the incident. Told him I will contact with regard to the damage. He had a very nice scrach on his car where I had no damage.
To think about it I should give him a call and ask for R3500 and see his reaction.
Motorcylce riders must have eyes behind their back as they are always a target for stupid accidents specially from those motor vehicle drivers who do not ride motorcycles.
Glad you're ok.
We just have to assume we're totally invisible! The only time we do get noticed is AFTER an incident.
I suppose it doesn't matter who's right ... only who's left!
Funny how invisible a big bike (Mr.Badger is not a small lad) with full panniers on, draped in yellow reflective tape, with rider standing up in his BMW Domino suit, with hazards flashing and brake light on, in the middle of the lane can be...
Yesterday, I was stopped waiting to turn right in the right-turn lane at Paradise motors. Peak hour traffic so a long wait. Right behind me a champagne-coloured BMW sedan. Not indicating. I turn and point at his indicator light and make a flashing motion with my hand. I repeat this gesture for two whole minutes. In all that time the driver did not look in front of him once while chatting to his passenger. I had to witness his driving behind me throught the circle and several turns where he kept his indicator in pristine condition (One BMW sedan for sale, indicators never used).
