Apparently Hi-viz doesn't help (much)

2 weeks ago I replaced my riding gear with a very bright fluorescent yellow Jacket and pants. Riding a bright red 2003 I figured with that particular color contrast I couldn't be missed by cars. Unfortunately so far on 3 occasions in the past 2 days I have had cars completely ignore my existence and try to occupy my position at the same moment I was occupying it, which I believe defy the laws of physics. I saw them coming, honked my horn with no success, and either slammed my brakes or moved over a lane, each time risking my own life because of some inattentive driver.

Just keep it in mind, apparently loud colors and loud horns aren't effective for everyone.

Jesse in Atlanta

Agreed - my reason for wearing HiViz is that I want to give drivers who are on the look-out a better chance of seeing me.

Given Atlanta's notorious traffic, there is probably little else you can do, but how about a Stebel (sp?) Air Horn? The one which sounds like a freight train is particularly attention getting.

Air Horn- thinking about it...

Jesse in Atlanta

We've already posted that UK "elf n' safety" laws means hi-viz gear has became almost a uniform for so many jobs it fails to catch the eye anymore. Some people even wear it for taking the dog out for it's early morning dump!
I did see some hi-viz fluorescent pink safety vests on a market stall last year, and I haven't spotted anyone wearing one yet, maybe I should get one.

x

toolboxjesse wrote:

Unfortunately so far on 3 occasions in the past 2 days I have had cars completely ignore my existence and try to occupy my position at the same moment I was occupying it, which I believe defy the laws of physics

Either
- inattentive
- poor driver
- me syndrome ( they feel they are more important then you are ) regardless of risk to you

I highly doubt they would do the same thing to motorcycle police officer ( or you could "dumb syndrome").

Most people when see they see me I get asked am I a policeman or a fireman.

I have done a bunch of things to the Silverwing which makes me appear close to a policeman ... so people tend to know I am around.

Living in Florida, known as the land of the Newly Wed or the Nearly Dead. I come close to death daily here. Riding a bike is inherently dangerous. Wearing HiViz or not. All my Harley freinds tell me my Swing is too quiet, to put a loud pipe on it. Only problem with that is most of the old farts here are deaf as well. Black Harley syndrom runs rampant here. I've noticed no difference whether cars notice me or not based on what I wear. I too have hv riding gear, but only wear it when it's cold out.

x

Jesse, 3 times in 2 days sounds about normal for "urban warfare". Maybe their GPS didn't tell them anyone else was on the road? I'm glad you came through safely.

Meldrew wrote:

We've already posted that UK "elf n' safety" laws means hi-viz gear has became almost a uniform for so many jobs it fails to catch the eye anymore. Some even people wear it for taking the dog out for it's early morning dump!
I did see some hi-viz fluorescent pink safety vests on a market stall last year, and I haven't spotted anyone wearing one yet, maybe I should get one.

Agree with Meldrew, there is a blindness to the hi-viz due to the amount in circulation. The brain simply doesn't recognise the colours anymore.

I have HI-Viz yellow Olympia AST & Bushwhacker jackets. Most people see them. Some don't. If they nearly hit me I'll often holler out "I'm Wearing HI-Viz, how didn't you see me?!" I figure it'll just be another point my lawyer can bring out if it comes to an accident, but I really don't think either the HI-Viz or the headlight modulator on my red '03 will save me. When I had my B400 an older fellow changed lanes at me without even hearing my horn either. Nothing helps, just good defensive riding and a quick prayer.
One of the main problems is nearly all drivers nowadays rely solely on those dang side view mirrors to change lanes. We were all taught in drivers ed to turn your head looking over your shoulder. No one does that anymore. I swear if I were king of the world, those mirrors would be taken off every car except large oversized panel trucks, 18 wheelers, etc--vehicles that truly need them. Car drivers would be forced to turn their heads or else get hit. Stiff neck? Stay home--get a designated driver, LOL! All kidding aside, that is one of the biggest problems that needs to get solved before more die. When I drive a car, I don't use those side mirrors at all. I just point them down so I can see parking lines as I back into a spot.
Bike riders should also be conscious enough of the need to not sit riding for a while in any car's blind spot either. Especially be wary of lane closures ahead. Cars panic when they see the cones in their lane and if they see what looks like an open space in the next lane they dart right in. Don't tempt fate. It could mean your life.

Bill mentioned what I believe to the most salient point.

"Lawyer"

At least by wearing the hi-viz you will have a better case in your defence. If I'm honest it's about the only reason I continue wearing my hi-viz vest over my bike jacket.

its the same here in eastern NC. nobody really looks for motorcyclist or considers sharing the road with them. i had a young marine cut in front of me i kinda figured he would since i saw him glance over that way first. he didnt use any turn signal ,he just pulled straight into the lane. it comes down to the cyclist driving as if he/she was invisable. i believe yall about the hi vis being ignored since people see it so often. i wonder about using a good loud air horn to get the cagers attention. but i still wear my saftey vest all the time regardless i agree with waspie at least it shows you held up your end of the saftey rules.

BTW the count is up to 4 times in 2 days...

Jesse in Atlanta

People have already mentioned what driving in Atlanta is like and having survived traffic in El Paso many times I would have to agree that location is a factor. I've had people dive across three lanes of traffic right in front of me to go off an exit ramp. I've also had people come out of entrance ramps like a rocket and completely ignore that yield sign in front of them. Mostly I think it's a case of "size matters". Most people leave me and my pickup truck alone a lot better than they do the Silverwing. You just can't expect to have other drivers to have any common sense much less courtesy. Drive defensively and as Bill said, high viz does matter to the lawyer. My advice is play it safe. Nobody wants that lawyer to be representing your estate.