Kicked to the Curb!

jazfreek · 04-13-2008, 11:27 PM

Ok maybe the title shouldn't be Kicked to the Curb, but something more like Smacked to the Curb. A couple days ago after being cloudy, cold and rainy the sky cleared up and became sunny and warm here in DC. I was so happy and couldn't wait to get off of work, drop the top and head home. I got off and drove about 200 yards from my job when this jerk in a Verizon van decided to do a "No Look" lane change and cross 3 lanes at once. He didn't notice me in the center lane. He didn't notice that I swerved over to the right lane in order to keep him from hitting me and he didn't notice me seconds before he slammed into me in the right lane knocking me into the curb. So both I and Nasty are banged up. She's in the shop. I start treatment tomorrow for whiplash. All because some guy didn't take the time to take notice of a little car next to him. I tell you one thing he notices me now!

SteveSky67 · 04-13-2008, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazfreek

Ok maybe the title shouldn't be Kicked to the Curb, but something more like Smacked to the Curb. A couple days ago after being cloudy, cold and rainy the sky cleared up and became sunny and warm here in DC. I was so happy and couldn't wait to get off of work, drop the top and head home. I got off and drove about 200 yards from my job when this jerk in a Verizon van decided to do a "No Look" lane change and cross 3 lanes at once. He didn't notice me in the center lane. He didn't notice that I swerved over to the right lane in order to keep him from hitting me and he didn't notice me seconds before he slammed into me in the right lane knocking me into the curb. So both I and Nasty are banged up. She's in the shop. I start treatment tomorrow for whiplash. All because some guy didn't take the time to take notice of a little car next to him. I tell you one thing he notices me now!

Wow, really sorry to hear about your mis-fortune...Some people just don't care..hope you baby is back on the road soon....i'm sure Verizon is going to pay for this one...SteveSky67

RMFNSKY · 04-13-2008, 11:38 PM

Damn, I haven't (knock on wood) had any real close calls yet but I really keep a eye on people when I'm driving. All my damage has been my fault, rolled over a raised road surface. Sorry to see that kind of damage. Hope the repairs get done fast and right.

**reedred** · 04-14-2008, 01:29 AM

I'm really starting to think Silver Graphite blends in with the road or something. Sorry about your accident. Enjoy your free FiOS service!

darrylba · 04-14-2008, 01:53 AM

I had someone almost complete a U turn into me this week. But I used that savy Sky driving averted a accident. I have learn that people can't see you so adjusted. Its still tough though.

db

xmicro_Redline · 04-14-2008, 02:02 AM

Damn that sucks, I think the only way your neck will ever recover is a Brand new Loaded Redline and a 2008 Corvette z06 for when that is in the shop. Hope all goes well!!

Bogie · 04-14-2008, 02:31 AM

Yep, our little baby does seem to get lost. Based on my own close calls, I've noted it's very easy to get lost in the front window beam...on driver's right....so I have to pay very close attention when approaching a side street where cars on the crossing street to my left are turning to their left into my lane. If they start to make their move, gotta assume they can't see me and take appropriate action.

As for vans, as illustrated in this post, we can snuggle in those blind spots better than the best. The first rule is to avoid being there if at all possible. The second rule is if you have no choice, and you see the van signal your direction, then assume they can't see you and check up. Same rule applies for most trucks. Also note the mirror configuration. A single flat mirror on truck or van is a very bad sign; do everything safely possible to keep yourself away. Multiple mirrors or mirrors with the convex inserts are a bit better. Not a guarantee of a good driver, but much better than the standard flat mirror.

And why don't folks use their frikin turn signals? I honor turn signals. Just the other day I was behind a car behind a small truck. They were going slow, so I signaled to pass....pulled into next lane and passed the car in front and just as a I got to the truck the truck driver decided to change lanes, was on the verge of changing lanes, discovered I was passing, and jerked back over as I went by. He seemed a bit upset. But NO TURN SIGNAL. All he had to do was SIGNAL INTENTION and I would have honored it. I see similar stuff all the frikin time. Someone wants to merge over and they don't signal. Signal dammit.

**JohnD** · 04-14-2008, 02:44 AM

In the late 1970s my first true love of a car was an Opel GT. At that time, the GT was incredibly small compared to the typical American boats on the road. And even though the car was bright orange, it still was frequently not seen. I resorted to putting one of those orange bicycle flags on the antenna in an effort to alert drivers to the fact that I was sharing the road with them, but that didn't work either.

I was constantly being smacked around. The car was always bashed up. People would pull in front of me without seeing me. They would change lanes into me. In the end, the car was totalled when I stopped at a signal in light snow and a Pontiac Bonneville decided to plow right through me. He said "I didn't see you at all."

Amazing.

What I learned from all of that was that now I always assume that every other driver on the road is going to do something stupid and unannounced. I will never ride alongside another car in either lane, and preferably for two lanes. The advantage of SPIRIT is that I can punch it to adjust my position in traffic to unalign myself with other cars. So if they do a swerve I won't be there. And if something totally and completely unexpected comes up then I know that I can swerve to either side in a pinch.

I think you have to learn to do that in these cars. They are so quick and nimble it is up to you to stay out of the way of idiots. And, like other posters on this thread tend to indicate, they are everywhere.

The best way to not be in an accident is to never allow yourself to be in the position to be in an accident. It is little consolation if the other guy was an idiot and clearly at fault...

SkyRunner · 04-14-2008, 08:35 AM

I'm not sure about anyone but i think it has to do with people driving to many SUV's , trucks and Minivans these days and feel they own the road cus their so big. I know in buffalo thats all people drive and alot of time i worry about the exact thing that happened to you.

Sorry to hear you got stuck in such recklessness driving situation.

Did he have one of those bumper stickers asking Hows My Driving =)

RedSkyMan · 04-14-2008, 09:45 AM

I've been driving for over 50 years and have noticed people haven't been taught how to "drive" anymore, they are only shown the basics of how to "operate" a vehicle. That's why we have so many idiots on the road today. God forbid if you try to deny them a license, they believe it's their birthright to drive (excuse me, I mean "operate") a car. Insurance company know this, thats why we all have to pay high rates, to cover their inept driving skills.

Kustomkaps · 04-14-2008, 10:09 AM

Make sure you document the hours you have to take off to go in for treatment. Also document all the various pains you have, and will have due to the accident. You will be compensated for lost work, time, and pain if you document. Believe me, We were hit by a Semi and the insurance company is fighting to get rid of us- even though 3 separate doctors have outlined the same physical problems related to whiplash and a possible bruise on the brain.
You will know your insurance company is bad when they have you evaluated by a 'specialist' who basically asks you about what happened, what kind of car you drove, the cost of the repairs, who saw your accident, and which days you feel pretty good... without ever actually looking at you or your medical reports. (yes, this is a true on-going story)

Blue Sky Redline · 04-14-2008, 10:24 AM

You can also be compensated for the lost value of your car due to the wreck.
Even if it's repaired 100%, you will still have the carfax report saying it was damaged in a wreck.

SteveSky67 · 04-14-2008, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyRunner

I'm not sure about anyone but i think it has to do with people driving to many SUV's , trucks and Minivans these days and feel they own the road cus their so big. I know in buffalo thats all people drive and alot of time i worry about the exact thing that happened to you.

Sorry to hear you got stuck in such recklessness driving situation.

Did he have one of those bumper stickers asking Hows My Driving =)

Why are trucks and Suv's getting bigger? With the price of gas these days..shouldn't they be getting smaller?...I am so tired of these SUV's and Hummers especially, why does someone need a hummer in a surburban atmoshphere? Some parking lot spaces are not made for these trucks and they take two of them..A lady friend of mine took four spaces and when we came out of the movies, she had a deep scrach and a ticket and a note say A** H*** on it...What is this obsession with big trucks? I can see for contractors.and such, but give me a break already....thats my two cents, SteveSky67

GetAboutRL · 04-14-2008, 11:39 AM

I replaced the 'girlie' stock horn with three (3) air horns (the stock horn relay power's my horn relay - which draws full power from the battery for full 12v power to air pump) ... is it loud ... oh ya it is plenty loud!

And I drive with my right thumb positioned to warn drivers they are drifting too close to the lane line (normally while they are distracted with coffee, cell calls, texting or yelling at the kids in the rear seats. I may give it a tap while passing 18-wheeler's on the right (cause they are hanging in the left passing lane).

I do not ride around blasting those three air horns but when I do tap it ... most driver's suddenly snap out of their 'semi-paying attention' bored or forcused state of mind and see me. And that saves us both money and time with police, lawyer's, insurance agents, body shops and possibly a furneral director.

lostcause · 04-14-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GetAboutRL

I replaced the 'girlie' stock horn with three (3) air horns (the stock horn relay power's my horn relay - which draws full power from the battery for full 12v power to air pump) ... is it loud ... oh ya it is plenty loud!

how exactly did you wire that up?

Sol-Candy · 04-14-2008, 12:31 PM

Sorry to hear about your accident.

Just yesterday we were almost kicked to the curb by a semi. We weren't in the Solstice but a midsize car so no excuse for him not seeing us. He was coming over and my daughter in the back seat says "watch out...he's coming in our lane". My husband laid on the horn and he has a super charger so he gunned it and we escaped within seconds of being run off the road. My daughter glared at the trucker and he gave my daughter the finger....

She gave him the "double" finger...

and I said let's the the heck out of here before he comes after us. The jerk....he was at fault and gives us the finger.... (the funny thing about it was I had just got done telling them about a trucker who almost ran me off the road (in my Solstice) on Friday...... I told my husband that I never stay in anyones blind spot......and always try to anticipate the other drivers next move....

Sol-Candy · 04-14-2008, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveSky67

Why are trucks and Suv's getting bigger? With the price of gas these days..shouldn't they be getting smaller?...I am so tired of these SUV's and Hummers especially, why does someone need a hummer in a surburban atmoshphere? Some parking lot spaces are not made for these trucks and they take two of them..A lady friend of mine took four spaces and when we came out of the movies, she had a deep scrach and a ticket and a note say A** H*** on it...What is this obsession with big trucks? I can see for contractors.and such, but give me a break already....thats my two cents, SteveSky67

FYI - Sometimes when you have a vehicle over a certain value and you claim it as part of your business expense then you can write the whole thing off. That's what a lot of the Hummer people are doing......

**Celt03** · 04-14-2008, 01:06 PM

GGRRR! Makes ya just want to shake the s**t outta people sometimes!!

Last week I had a gal in a mini-van go to change lanes into me - no signal, no checking her mirrors, she was too busy looking at & yammering at her passenger.
I hit the brakes (thankfully they worked) & honked. Never even fazed the idiot. Boy was I p.o.'d - & much to my daughter's chagrin, I pulled up on her driver's side and yelled at her to spend more time watching where the h*ll she was driving and less time running her mouth. She had that deer in the headlights look on her face which only made me madder.
I was still fuming when we got home & daughter told hubby that she thinks that if the gal had hit us, the most severe injury would have been to the minivan driver because I would have probably decked her.
And she was probably right.

Sky_Pilot · 04-14-2008, 01:13 PM

While I haven't been hit, I can't tell you how many times some Kalifornia imbecile has tried to modify my car in much the same way. This is one of the reasons I selected Sunburst Yellow - tough not to see - that and the 130db horns I installed. Jackass drivers!

Wonder if Corvette drivers have similar issues?

04-13-2008, 11:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
jazfreek Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Laurel, Maryland Posts: 59 My Photos: (0)	Kicked to the Curb! Ok maybe the title shouldn't be Kicked to the Curb, but something more like Smacked to the Curb. A couple days ago after being cloudy, cold and rainy the sky cleared up and became sunny and warm here in DC. I was so happy and couldn't wait to get off of work, drop the top and head home. I got off and drove about 200 yards from my job when this jerk in a Verizon van decided to do a "No Look" lane change and cross 3 lanes at once. He didn't notice me in the center lane. He didn't notice that I swerved over to the right lane in order to keep him from hitting me and he didn't notice me seconds before he slammed into me in the right lane knocking me into the curb. So both I and Nasty are banged up. She's in the shop. I start treatment tomorrow for whiplash. All because some guy didn't take the time to take notice of a little car next to him. I tell you one thing he notices me now! Attached Thumbnails __________________ DEPOSIT: 11/24/06 HOME: 2/7/07 SILVER GRAPHITE RED LINE MKS 6000K HID SYSTEM MAGNAFLOW 3" CAT-BACK EXHAUST KAPPASHPERE CAI KAPPASHPERE LIL' CHROMIES KAPPASHPERE CHROME DOMES KAPPASHPERE CUSTOM ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS BLACKCAT CUSTOM GAUGES

04-13-2008, 11:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
RMFNSKY First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: St Louis Posts: 1,757 My Photos: (23)	Damn, I haven't (knock on wood) had any real close calls yet but I really keep a eye on people when I'm driving. All my damage has been my fault, rolled over a raised road surface. Sorry to see that kind of damage. Hope the repairs get done fast and right. __________________ Sunburst Yellow Ordered 4/5/06 Born 7/6/06 In my Driveway 8/16/06 VIN 6510

04-14-2008, 01:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
darrylba Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ruther Glen, Va Posts: 316 My Photos: (0)	Oh I had someone almost complete a U turn into me this week. But I used that savy Sky driving averted a accident. I have learn that people can't see you so adjusted. Its still tough though. db

04-14-2008, 02:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Northern, VA Posts: 2,481 My Photos: (0)	Yep, our little baby does seem to get lost. Based on my own close calls, I've noted it's very easy to get lost in the front window beam...on driver's right....so I have to pay very close attention when approaching a side street where cars on the crossing street to my left are turning to their left into my lane. If they start to make their move, gotta assume they can't see me and take appropriate action. As for vans, as illustrated in this post, we can snuggle in those blind spots better than the best. The first rule is to avoid being there if at all possible. The second rule is if you have no choice, and you see the van signal your direction, then assume they can't see you and check up. Same rule applies for most trucks. Also note the mirror configuration. A single flat mirror on truck or van is a very bad sign; do everything safely possible to keep yourself away. Multiple mirrors or mirrors with the convex inserts are a bit better. Not a guarantee of a good driver, but much better than the standard flat mirror. And why don't folks use their frikin turn signals? I honor turn signals. Just the other day I was behind a car behind a small truck. They were going slow, so I signaled to pass....pulled into next lane and passed the car in front and just as a I got to the truck the truck driver decided to change lanes, was on the verge of changing lanes, discovered I was passing, and jerked back over as I went by. He seemed a bit upset. But NO TURN SIGNAL. All he had to do was SIGNAL INTENTION and I would have honored it. I see similar stuff all the frikin time. Someone wants to merge over and they don't signal. Signal dammit. __________________ 2008 Redline Black Onyx Black/Red Leather Monsoon 6 Disc Spoiler French Transmission Born July 2007 Snagged 8/31/07 Belle? That's my car Alizée? That's my avatar Me? Forty something male skydriver

04-14-2008, 02:44 AM	#8 (permalink)
JohnD First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 3,477 My Photos: (73)	In the late 1970s my first true love of a car was an Opel GT. At that time, the GT was incredibly small compared to the typical American boats on the road. And even though the car was bright orange, it still was frequently not seen. I resorted to putting one of those orange bicycle flags on the antenna in an effort to alert drivers to the fact that I was sharing the road with them, but that didn't work either. I was constantly being smacked around. The car was always bashed up. People would pull in front of me without seeing me. They would change lanes into me. In the end, the car was totalled when I stopped at a signal in light snow and a Pontiac Bonneville decided to plow right through me. He said "I didn't see you at all." Amazing. What I learned from all of that was that now I always assume that every other driver on the road is going to do something stupid and unannounced. I will never ride alongside another car in either lane, and preferably for two lanes. The advantage of SPIRIT is that I can punch it to adjust my position in traffic to unalign myself with other cars. So if they do a swerve I won't be there. And if something totally and completely unexpected comes up then I know that I can swerve to either side in a pinch. I think you have to learn to do that in these cars. They are so quick and nimble it is up to you to stay out of the way of idiots. And, like other posters on this thread tend to indicate, they are everywhere. The best way to not be in an accident is to never allow yourself to be in the position to be in an accident. It is little consolation if the other guy was an idiot and clearly at fault... __________________ First:"BABY"* Silver Pearl 9 May 06* Then:"SPIRIT"* Black Onyx Red Line 25 Oct 06* Check out My Photos!

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Saturn Sky Forum Advertisement

04-14-2008, 02:02 AM	#6 (permalink)
xmicro_Redline Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,500 My Photos: (1)	Damn that sucks, I think the only way your neck will ever recover is a Brand new Loaded Redline and a 2008 Corvette z06 for when that is in the shop. Hope all goes well!!

04-14-2008, 08:35 AM	#9 (permalink)
SkyRunner Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Buffalo, N.Y. Posts: 84 My Photos: (0)	I'm not sure about anyone but i think it has to do with people driving to many SUV's , trucks and Minivans these days and feel they own the road cus their so big. I know in buffalo thats all people drive and alot of time i worry about the exact thing that happened to you. Sorry to hear you got stuck in such recklessness driving situation. Did he have one of those bumper stickers asking Hows My Driving =) __________________ Sky Redline White / Red 5-SPD / 6disc monsoon 18" Crome wheels Picked up 9/29/07

04-14-2008, 09:45 AM	#10 (permalink)
RedSkyMan Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 402 My Photos: (6)	I've been driving for over 50 years and have noticed people haven't been taught how to "drive" anymore, they are only shown the basics of how to "operate" a vehicle. That's why we have so many idiots on the road today. God forbid if you try to deny them a license, they believe it's their birthright to drive (excuse me, I mean "operate") a car. Insurance company know this, thats why we all have to pay high rates, to cover their inept driving skills. __________________ Chili Pepper Red Ordered 3-28-06 Delivered 6-29-06 Sent to Mallett 2-21-07 Delivered 5-11-07 #007 "Beast" LS-2 400 HP Dual Exhaust

04-14-2008, 10:09 AM	#11 (permalink)
Kustomkaps Supporting Vendor Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: S.E. Michigan/Toledo area Posts: 793 My Photos: (0)	Make sure you document the hours you have to take off to go in for treatment. Also document all the various pains you have, and will have due to the accident. You will be compensated for lost work, time, and pain if you document. Believe me, We were hit by a Semi and the insurance company is fighting to get rid of us- even though 3 separate doctors have outlined the same physical problems related to whiplash and a possible bruise on the brain. You will know your insurance company is bad when they have you evaluated by a 'specialist' who basically asks you about what happened, what kind of car you drove, the cost of the repairs, who saw your accident, and which days you feel pretty good... without ever actually looking at you or your medical reports. (yes, this is a true on-going story) __________________ Chili Pepper Red Vin #1584 Down Payment June 6, 2005 Imaged March 8, 2006 Released to Carrier April 18, 2006 Delivered to Dealer May 5, 2006 In my Drive May 6, 2006 <--- My favorite logo

04-14-2008, 10:24 AM	#12 (permalink)
Blue Sky Redline Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Elvisland Posts: 268 My Photos: (0)	You can also be compensated for the lost value of your car due to the wreck. Even if it's repaired 100%, you will still have the carfax report saying it was damaged in a wreck. __________________ '08 Midnight Blue Redline Auto No mods Loaded, 6 cd monsoon License plate: BLUSKYY Kill List: 525, G35S, Civic rice burner, 350Z, Impala LT, Dodge Charger(non-Hemi) Hyundai Tiburon GT, Neon SRT, Jaguar XJ

04-14-2008, 11:39 AM	#14 (permalink)
GetAboutRL First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Capital District of New York Posts: 1,522 My Photos: (0)	I replaced the 'girlie' stock horn with three (3) air horns (the stock horn relay power's my horn relay - which draws full power from the battery for full 12v power to air pump) ... is it loud ... oh ya it is plenty loud! And I drive with my right thumb positioned to warn drivers they are drifting too close to the lane line (normally while they are distracted with coffee, cell calls, texting or yelling at the kids in the rear seats. I may give it a tap while passing 18-wheeler's on the right (cause they are hanging in the left passing lane). I do not ride around blasting those three air horns but when I do tap it ... most driver's suddenly snap out of their 'semi-paying attention' bored or forcused state of mind and see me. And that saves us both money and time with police, lawyer's, insurance agents, body shops and possibly a furneral director. __________________ "Lucifer" is my name! Deposit:4-11-06 & Titled:11-28-06 SKY "Red Line" Silver Pearl, Black Wings on it's back, Bloody Red interior, Dejon intercooler/Solo Exhaust, Robert's screen. If you suddenly feel warm, it is just me passing through grinning! Last edited by GetAboutRL : 04-14-2008 at 05:23 PM.

04-14-2008, 12:31 PM	#16 (permalink)
Sol-Candy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 297 My Photos: (0)	Sorry to hear about your accident. Just yesterday we were almost kicked to the curb by a semi. We weren't in the Solstice but a midsize car so no excuse for him not seeing us. He was coming over and my daughter in the back seat says "watch out...he's coming in our lane". My husband laid on the horn and he has a super charger so he gunned it and we escaped within seconds of being run off the road. My daughter glared at the trucker and he gave my daughter the finger.... She gave him the "double" finger... and I said let's the the heck out of here before he comes after us. The jerk....he was at fault and gives us the finger.... (the funny thing about it was I had just got done telling them about a trucker who almost ran me off the road (in my Solstice) on Friday...... I told my husband that I never stay in anyones blind spot......and always try to anticipate the other drivers next move.... __________________ Out driving my Sol........

04-14-2008, 01:06 PM	#18 (permalink)
Celt03 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Washington State Posts: 1,574 My Photos: (6)	GGRRR! Makes ya just want to shake the s*t outta people sometimes!! Last week I had a gal in a mini-van go to change lanes into me - no signal, no checking her mirrors, she was too busy looking at & yammering at her passenger. I hit the brakes (thankfully they worked) & honked. Never even fazed the idiot. Boy was I p.o.'d - & much to my daughter's chagrin, I pulled up on her driver's side and yelled at her to spend more time watching where the hll she was driving and less time running her mouth. She had that deer in the headlights look on her face which only made me madder. I was still fuming when we got home & daughter told hubby that she thinks that if the gal had hit us, the most severe injury would have been to the minivan driver because I would have probably decked her. And she was probably right. __________________ "Saffyre" 2008 Midnight Blue RL/Black/Black Leather / 5-spd w/Spoiler Magnaflow 3" Quad tip / Chrome Wheels / On Star / 6 CD XM Monsoon / Splash Guards / GT Antenna / WindRestrictor V2 www.imsaturn.com/profile/Celt

04-14-2008, 01:13 PM	#19 (permalink)
Sky_Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 251 My Photos: (6)	I feel for ya man.....! While I haven't been hit, I can't tell you how many times some Kalifornia imbecile has tried to modify my car in much the same way. This is one of the reasons I selected Sunburst Yellow - tough not to see - that and the 130db horns I installed. Jackass drivers! Wonder if Corvette drivers have similar issues?

04-14-2008, 01:58 PM	#20 (permalink)
xmicro_Redline Senior Member