First Highway Accident

Yep, it's official. I can say I've had an accident on a highway. On the 101 in California, even. Before I tell the story I'll assure everyone that all parties involved are fine - thankfully. But it was still the scariest experience ever!

While in rush-hour traffic after work, a motorcycle and myself decided to merge into the same lane. We must have both seen that sweet spot open up after this pickup truck and both made the attempt to grab it. We smacked right into each other, neither of us realizing the other's plan. Yes, I looked before merging - and yes, I did have my blinker on. A kind witness tells us that neither of us were at fault. I'm not so sure the insurance companies want to hear that - or maybe they do?

So back to the drama part of the story. I start to slowly creep out into the lane on my left. As soon as I'm halfway in it, I hear a thud, crash, thump, and see this gray motorcycle rip my mirror off and begin to wobble and lose control. He lost the fight with balance and the cycle landed on its side with him a few inches away. I slammed on my brakes, threw my hands over my eyes and screamed outloud - don't die, don't run over him! It was like watching in slow motion. But as I mentioned before - it was rush hour and the top speed was about 10 miles an hour, so we were all very lucky.

Since nobody was hurt and both vehicles were operable, the police refused to come visit us and advised us to exchanged insurance information. After the initial shock wore off and we both stopped shaking - the cyclist and I were back on our merry little way.

So now I guess I'm officially a Californian - a credentialed "crazy driver" and all. I'm a bit gun shy about changing lanes today, and I never realized how damn important that side mirror is! Stay safe everyone!