Car/bus accident

[Skud]

http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11288468#

Happened here today. I had to post it because of the one comment: "you take your life into your own hands driving around these buses". LOL.

As a response, I'll just mention that the lady with the crushed Lexus turned directly in front of the bus in a 35 MPH hour zone, and was ticketed accordingly by the officers on the scene. So, the lady did take her life into her own hands by doing one of the stupid things that we bus drivers try to predict on a daily basis. Unfortunately, and maybe she knows this now, there are limits as to how fast a 40,000 lb bus can stop...it's not like a car, I can guarantee it.

P.S. it was a camera bus and the video was reviewed, which affirmed the ticket decision.

[Apache Warrior]

Most accidents involving buses and cars is the fault of car's drivers.
Apache

[Evilization]

im glad no one died in the accident
indeed, i have seen only a few bad bus drivers in madison WI

[DougBob]

You have to admit bus drivers have a job that not everyone could do. A lot of people in traffic don't pay attention, much less when they are around a buse or semi.

I follow these rules and I notice I am a minority around the Springs here:

1. Never stay beside a buses or semi, alway fall behind in case they merge over, I am not there as a speed bump.

2. Alway know what is approaching the light from the crossing traffic when I approach a light, even if I have the green.

3. Always yield right of way to buses or semis. Since I was raises on a farm, I know what it's like to drive a large vehicle that you cannot stop on a dime or turn in a tight radius. I always will try to allow a buse or semi to make their turn first and if it will help them by me blocking or slowing other traffic, I'll do it.

[K PhaNTOM]

If that's how you really drive, bob, then it just can't be fun. Sure you probably won't die from a bus hitting you. But you will from old age waiting FOR THE DAMN TRUCK TO MAKE A FRIGIN TURN!

Agree'd on first point tho, I'm never beside trucks. Always in front of them if I can. You don't want a tire to blow up on your windshield.

[Skud]

DougBob, come to Madison anytime. Phantom, stay in Texas...lol.

I wish more folks had experience with large vehicles, DougBob. And I wish that those who haven't could at least see the world from another's perspective...or maybe just put their to-do lists away when they are driving, so that they can actually make it home or to work to complete them.

You're right on with the stats, Apache. Last time I saw our insurance numbers the fault of about 90% of the accidents was with the other driver. I've been hit 4 times that I can remember in a bus...always the ticket has gone to the other guy/gal. One tried to take me to court, went against the 3 witnesses who were sitting above her as she drove her minivan into the side of the bus they were on. She lost the case.

[Apache Warrior]

18 wheelers have a two piece rim. A girl that used to work for me lost her mother from one. Her parents were passing an 18 wheeler when the rim blew apart. It was not the truck driver's fault, just equipment failure.
Apache

[DougBob]

If that's how you really drive, bob, then it just can't be fun. Sure you probably won't die from a bus hitting you. But you will from old age waiting FOR THE DAMN TRUCK TO MAKE A FRIGIN TURN!

Agree'd on first point tho, I'm never beside trucks. Always in front of them if I can. You don't want a tire to blow up on your windshield.

I just might do that, but I won't piss off a bus driver or trucker by trying to of them because that infuriates them even more than staying in their way to the side. I've been there done that and respect them too much. More Americans need to drive in Germany so they can see what real respectful drivers act like. Then again if your in the left lane and don't move when approached on the autobahn you get ran over, Literally. The beauty of it is, it's your fault when the cops get you

[K PhaNTOM]

Then again if your in the left lane and don't move when approached on the autobahn you get ran over, Literally. The beauty of it is, it's your fault when the cops get you

It seems that american drivers don't get that global system. If you don't drive fast- drive on the right lane. If you are driving on left, quickly, and someone faster comes in behind you, you pull to the right and let him (/her, lol) go through. If you don't move then expect a high beam flash to get you moving, if not; expect a horn. That's how most of the people I know drive. Then again, in the US. You put month before day in your dates. 10/11/09 = 11/10/09. You figure that out...

[Rand{CLR}]

I like messing with the speedy aggressives who flash lights and honk horns in the passing lane. If I'm in that lane and I'm already doing 10 above the limit, you've got no business tailgating me and flashing lights at me. Sometimes I'll even slow down 20 mph and really tick them off.

DC is number 2 on the congestion list, but we don't have the road ragers with guns like L.A. or German Tourist-seeking bullets like Florida, so I feel fairly safe doing this. And it's fun.

You just have to overcome the first urge, which is "Get the heck out of the way before they crush me!"

-Rand

[Skud]

I like messing with the speedy aggressives who flash lights and honk horns in the passing lane. If I'm in that lane and I'm already doing 10 above the limit, you've got no business tailgating me and flashing lights at me. Sometimes I'll even slow down 20 mph and really tick them off.

DC is number 2 on the congestion list, but we don't have the road ragers with guns like L.A. or German Tourist-seeking bullets like Florida, so I feel fairly safe doing this. And it's fun.

You just have to overcome the first urge, which is "Get the heck out of the way before they crush me!"

-Rand

Lol, I agree with the 10 over rule, Rand (in my car). If I am passing cars at that speed then I am passing cars, plain and simple...and if someone does the bull rush behind me I'll take extra time getting out of their special way.

[K PhaNTOM]

lol I like your style, Rand. But you know they're gonna go on the other lane, pull up next to you, and give you the evil look or finger.

Also, what's with people not knowing how to stick to their lane on 2 lane streets? They are always in the middle. It's like one small line is missing and they consider it a one lane where it is a hugeass street.

[mapes]

I like messing with the speedy aggressives who flash lights and honk horns in the passing lane. If I'm in that lane and I'm already doing 10 above the limit, you've got no business tailgating me and flashing lights at me. Sometimes I'll even slow down 20 mph and really tick them off.

DC is number 2 on the congestion list, but we don't have the road ragers with guns like L.A. or German Tourist-seeking bullets like Florida, so I feel fairly safe doing this. And it's fun.

You just have to overcome the first urge, which is "Get the heck out of the way before they crush me!"

-Rand

Thats kinda self centered. Trust me on this... I can go way faster on a bike in a safe manner than a car can. Stop being a prick and move over.

Now if the road is congested than I understand no need to get over.

However let this be said. I will pass you....one way or another.

[Apache Warrior]

Thats kinda self centered. Trust me on this... I can go way faster on a bike in a safe manner than a car can. Stop being a prick and move over.

Now if the road is congested than I understand no need to get over.

However let this be said. I will pass you....one way or another.

Watch out Rand. Mapes is from California, has a gun and knows how to use it.
Apache

[juneau]

Most accidents involving buses and cars is the fault of car's drivers.
Apache

Other way around here. Bus drivers have the attitude of 'I'm in a much larger vehicle. Try it'.

Most pull off without indicating or even checking for traffic too.