Complacent Riding

[Jddc15]

I live in Dallas and traffic here is to say the least a nightmare. I was riding home last night on the same route that I take everynight at the same time. Traffic came to a stop in front of me and I in turn came to a quick stop. At that point I heard tires lock up and slide behind me. I looked in my mirror just in time to see the car behind me just barely stop about 1 foot off my back tire. I was not hit, it was a close call but it was a wake up call for me. I shared this because I realized that I had gotten so accustomed to riding that route that I was not paying attention the way I should be. Please while you are out on the roads do not make the same mistake I did. Always be aware of whats going on around you. Scan ahead to the sides and most importantly make sure that if you stop quick that whoever is behind you is going to stop also. Always try to give yourself a way out, wether it be to the shoulder or even straight forward. Just wanted to say stay safe out there hope this is usefull to someone out there. If it reminds one person to be better aware then its served it purpose. Ride safe Y'all.

[stage5]

That's Dallas for ya. People tailgate here REALLY BAD, so it makes it worse. I'm like WTF are you doing trying to get in my draft?
I always come to a stop while I'm in gear and watch my 6, just in case the aforementioned happens and I need to get out the way.

[Gunn IT]

About 10 years ago had a similar sh!t happen to me. I stoped at the Red light, no one else was there, as soon as I stoped I looked in my rear view mirrios and this stupid pickup truck was approaching me fast. At the last moment Mother phucker turned quickly and touched me on the pegs with his truck, I had to duck down to really avoid his side mirrors hitting my head, Mo Fo ran the red light. Me being a hot blooded young guy at that time, went up to him on the next traffic light, curse the hell out of him, punched and broke his side mirror, and neither the driver or the passenger said anything, they knew they deserved it. I don't know how many of similar cases happen each year, and they blame us for being wreckless...

[hiddentoken]

Yeah that is something that I think about regularly and I can understand exactly what you mean by getting complacent. I always try to leave at least a 2 second gap between me and the vehicle in front, but in rush hour traffic that is hard to maintain with people trying to cut in on you so they can get home 5 seconds faster.