Quote from: semyhr on November 11, 2008, 01:24:53 PM
Thought I would share the happenings of what seemed like the last riding day of this season.

Me and a friend of mine both went to work on bikes because temperature was up in 50ies which was like record for this time of the year since 1986. So we are almost home we stand at  a red light and start taking off at the green check on the left for late runners, but there is a lot of traffic in first lane waiting for right turn so we take off, remain a little behind and then I see this car flying from the left side that was hidden behind all of the cars in first lane. I didnt really take off fast but I see my friend crashing into the back part of the car and flying over it. Somehow I felt that I have to look at the car. So I look at my friend who rolled, look at the car again, then I see that he is OK and stands up and then I see that the car takes off. So I got on to chase the car, caught her after a while stopped and there sits a young chick with her mother next to her and a small dog in the mother's lap. I'm like wtf??? She says that she didnt notice anything at all. Then one more dude in car caught up and blocked her way as well. Anyways police arrives and she keeps on saying that she didn't notice a bike crashing into her car and that she drove green light. It's good that we had the witness saying that we took off on  green but what's best is that my friend is OK, a couple scratches but otherwise OK, he was wearing jacket, back protector, gloves, knee guards, boots and of course helmet. Bike is pretty messed up with fork not really straight anymore and damage almost on all the plastics on the bike - kawasaki z750.

Anyways, always check for red light runners!

Glad your buddy is ok.   All the gear all the time really is your best bet on being safe(er)  on the bike.   

Keep us posted as to the situation with the driver of the other car.  I can't imagine her getting of it without a big ticket/fine?   

Hit & run,  could that also be reckless driving?  Reckless endangerment?  How's about attempted vehicular manslaughter?  A split second either way and it could have been a MUCH different story.    I can't believe she denied knowing she was in an accident and her mother backed her up! WTF is wrong with people?   

ok  done

I hold the clutch at stops, not for a quick start, but to react if someone is near rearending me. I go to N only when a big truck is stopped behind me.