Delusive drivers

Delusive Drivers
A driver can’t signal his intentions if he hasn’t decided what to do.
You’re out for a ride in the country, following a secondary highway that wanders past farms and the occasionally family store. There are lots of twists and even right-angle turns, and a few railroad grade crossings, but everything is well marked. You’ve ridden this road before, and have a pretty good idea of the layout. The weather is warm and dry today, the surface is clean and predictable, and there are few other vehicles on the road. The bike begs to be ridden aggressively today, and you can’t resist. Most of the road is posted 55 mph, which feels good at 70. You feel comfortable taking the 25 mph corners at 40.
Approaching a left-hander near a country store, you decelerate, ease over to the right edge of the pavement, and prepare to accelerate just as soon as you are over the railroad tracks. The driver ahead appears to be slowing to turn off at the store, and you plan to pass him on the left. But, rather than continue his turn, the driver suddenly brakes to a stop in the middle of the road. You can’t pass on his left because not where is an oncoming SUV. You attempt a quick stop, applying both brakes just short of skidding, but at the speed you’re traveling, you run out of room. You manage to ease over to the right, but the painted white line and the plastic aprons for the railroad tracks conspire to cause the bike to slide left and bang into the car door. You aren’t hurt, but it’s a collision, and you are at fault.
It may be fun to ride the back roads at spirited speeds, but you need to slow immediately for situations that are out of your control, such as wild animals, sightseeing trains, or tourists who are lost or undecided. The oncoming SUV driver could be planning a left turn into the store, or the car on the right could be about to pull out. In this situation, you should have reduced speed sooner, and waited for the other drivers to get out of the way before deciding your move. It’s important to be in full control of the bike, but it’s just as important to be in control of the situation.
Anita