Let this be a lesson
Thread started by
Creative Thing at 12.9.08 - 9:51 pm
I am not posting this to get sympathy from you.
I am fine and feeling great this evening (I just enjoyed three tall glasses of beer at a pizza joint).
Think of this story as a friendly reminder of the importance of wearing a helmet every time you ride a bike.
I want to see everyone of us riding bikes for a long time.
A little before 6 pm last night, I was riding my bicycle home from work. I was riding where I always ride, on the right shoulder of the street, out of the path of the cars in the west bound right lane. I wore a helmet, reflective ankle bands and a flashing red rear “blinky” light, in addition to my front headlight.
Suddenly I saw a white car on my left pass me and immediately turn right, directly in front of me. I had no time to react and the car’s rear quarter hit my front wheel. I immediately was thrown to the ground, hitting my head hard on the pavement.
My recollection from that point is hazy. I recall cursing, getting up and straightening my handle bars. It’s a funny thing, cyclists always check their bike after an accident, before even checking themselves!
The driver of the car which hit me was talking to me and trying to convince me that I was alright. There were other people there. Someone said they had, or were going to, call the police. The guy who was driving the car which hit me tried to convince me or someone, that the police were not necessary.
I next remember sitting on the curb and several police officers asking me questions (name, birth date, phone number). I answered the questions except what my cell phone number was. I couldn’t for the life of me think of that number.
Sitting on the curb, I was able to assess my condition a little. My head was sore above and behind my left ear. My left hip and left elbow were sore and my neck, on the left side, was stiff and sore. There was a small cut on my right thumb and the thumb nail was becoming discolored. Overall, I thought I was in pretty good shape, no open wounds or broken bones.
One of the officers said something about what I had told the paramedics. I replied, “what paramedics?”. The officer informed me that paramedics were there 20 minutes ago, and I had told them I was alright and didn’t need their assistance. I have no recollection of that occurring.
At this point the police made the determination that I did need assistance and called the paramedics back to the scene.
I was put on a gurney, loaded in an ambulance and driven to La Palma Community hospital.
Xrays of my shoulder, chest and left leg were taken and a CAT scan of my head was done. The results showed no breaks or other serious injuries. The doctor told me I had suffered a concussion, which does not show up on the CAT scan.
I felt very, very lucky to have gotten off so lightly. The suddenness of the collision and force of the impact when I hit the ground was tremendous, and bones could have easily been broken were my body positioned in a different way.
I do everything I can to ride safe and avoid cars. I always wear a helmet, an eyeglass rearview mirror, lots of reflective material and lights at night, I always assume cars don’t see me and I consistently scan around me for what cars might do in the next few seconds. This situation was totally unexpected and I had no time to even think about what was happening before I hit the ground.
When I looked at my helmet in the emergency room, I saw a crack all the way through the thick foam material on the left side. That helmet was an expensive purchase, but at that moment it was priceless.
Four hours after the accident, my wife, Diane, drove me home from the hospital.
Today, I have a mild headache, a stiff neck, a very sore left shoulder and abrasions on my left elbow, left hip and right thumb.
I'm not sure how to deal with this right now. I'll get the police report in a few days and I expect to get something from the driver's insurance company (he did have insurance).
This situation could have been a lot worse if I had not been wearing a helmet.
I have been commuting by bike to my jobs for 22 years and this is the fourth time I've been hit by a car, none of the collisions my fault.
Ride long enough and chances you will have a similar experience.
Please, always wear your brain bucket. There is too much that can happen, all of a sudden, unexpectedly and out of your control, when you ride a bike on the streets.
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Glad you're good CT. First the ankle, now this. Hope your head feels better quickly.
toweliesbong12.9.08 - 10:01 pm
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wow. look on the bright side, you can still ride, and see tomorrow for all of its glory.
i don't think i have seen you ride without a helmet.
DAYLO12.9.08 - 10:01 pm
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i am so happy your okay
and i'm glad your recovering
and thank you.
i've stopped wearing my helmet out of laziness but now realized how stupid that is especially since i have no lights and no reflective material
aksendz12.9.08 - 10:02 pm
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CT,
I am so happy you are OK.
Its a great reminder and now that it getting colder there's 1 less excuse to go un-helmeted.
The insurance co. should replace your helmet. No question.
You should also see a doc again if you are feeling any more discomfort.
You should also have your bike professionally checked top to bottom to make sure your frame straight and everything is in good shape.
trickmilla12.9.08 - 10:10 pm
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Thanks for reminding me to where a helmet. Yes, it may look nerdy but now I know why I don't give a shit what anyone else thinks.
If you suffered that kind of concussion with your helmet on, can you imagine how your head would be without a helmet?
I don't care what you paid for that helmet but it sure sounds like it was a real bargain.
mk452412.9.08 - 10:17 pm
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helmet? i've got helmet, eyeglasses, jersey, cycling shorts....and of course, white vans shoes...........and a camelbak. super nerds ftw.
quanmunist12.9.08 - 10:29 pm
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Like a cop without a gun, I feel naked without my helmet on, when riding.
bentstrider12.9.08 - 10:36 pm
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brain damage = not sexy
thanks for posting this, Creative Thing
ephemerae12.9.08 - 11:06 pm
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How often do you plan on getting hit by cars from now on?
ubrayj0212.10.08 - 2:04 am
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DON'T deal with the insurance company on your own. get a lawyer. contact mine. e-mail me and and i'll give you his number. eddie gopez lopez @ g mail dot com
Eddie GOpez12.10.08 - 3:18 am
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So glad to hear you're mostly okay... thanks for sharing your story! I haven't been hit yet, but know it's only a matter of time, so I wear my helmet religiously, and hope for the best.
canadienne12.10.08 - 10:59 am
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Oh thank goodness you didn't get hurt any worse! Have a speedy recovery and take it easy for a while!
nancine12.10.08 - 11:32 am
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Oh thank goodness you didn't get hurt any worse! Have a speedy recovery and take it easy for a while!
nancine12.10.08 - 11:32 am
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Dang Leslie! Hope you're better today. Yeah anyone want to guess how he would be today if he didn't have a helmet? All that other stuff, I can vouch that he ain't lying, he does roll with lights and stuff, and you still get into an accident.
Get a lawyer my friend and take them to the cleaners as they say. The least and I mean the very least you should get is a new helmet and bike. Even if that bike is ride able, argue that it's been in an accident and it's totaled. Insurances understand a totaled vehicle no problem. And of course you should have all your hospital fees paid and work time missed too.
I was looking forward to see ya on the toy ride too.
User112.10.08 - 11:45 am
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I've been saving, and I'm actually off to buy a helmet today. Any recommendations? I want something that is safe but doesnt make me look like an extreme roadie... Any suggestions?
Joe Borfo12.10.08 - 11:47 am
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brakes are for fakes
lids are for kids
RYDE 2 DIE
Purp12.10.08 - 11:55 am
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How 'bout a football helmet.
People won't think you're a roadie.
Eric Hair12.10.08 - 12:00 pm
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I'm ready for a new helmet, too. I think I'll get a 'skate' helmet cuz they are reusable after an impact. With cycling helmets, one hit is all it is rated for. That can even be a mistaken drop of the helmet. Alot of people don't know/use this: Some helmet companies replace damaged helmets within one year. I have only purchased 2 helmets in 15 years. O.K., alot were from Specialized when I was volunteering & officiating, but that is where I learned about it! Gheck out the company policy for your own helmets people, It is possibly a good time to Gift yourself one!!
Gern12.10.08 - 12:25 pm
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brakes are for fakes
lids are for kids
RYDE 2 DIE
Me -
So I guess that means if that if you have brakes and a helmet, you're a fake kid? That would make me an adult right?
User112.10.08 - 12:32 pm
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great to hear you're alright...
get better and get back out there...
adrian12.10.08 - 12:33 pm
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Not trying to be funny, but last time I was hit back in '06, I broke a finger.
Last time I crashed on the pavement, I bruised up my knee.
I guess I automatically get into a tuck'n'roll position whenever I feel I'm not upright!!!
bentstrider12.10.08 - 12:42 pm
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yes, well I've broken an arm running, I've fractured my skull in 3 places by leaning over the banister, and I've twisted a knee going 0 mph on skis... needless to say, I'm careful on a bike.
canadienne12.10.08 - 12:50 pm
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I also wear a "Road ID.com" bracelet. Does anyone remember years ago, I used to use a 'sharpie' to write my 'info' on my arm, before the rides? My wife wasn't happy with the info only in my wallet. What if while I'm knocked out on the street somebody stealls my wallet & phone? Yes, I have a card in my wallet and I have I C E phone numbers for 1st responders in my cell phone. (I C E : In Case of Emergency, set up as a contact. My phone contact list reads First name: first. Last name: second. My ICE is: I C E Dana). Since I am prone to anaphalactic shock, I have that, as well as, my blood type on the bracelet. I have been rendered unconsious many, many times in public, so I now wear my ID bracelet 24/7. Bonus: I also found the Road ID bracelet works excellent as a retention strap for my slr camera while on the bike, so I can instantly let go of the camera and grab the bars. Yay! DJ Chicken Leather, remember seeing my Nikon hit the pavement @ the fountain intersection? Ha!
Gern12.10.08 - 12:50 pm
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Get well soon, CT!
Getting into the habit of wearing a helmet wasn't easy for me, but it's incidents like this that make me glad that I have.
mr rollers12.10.08 - 12:53 pm
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I'm glad you're OK Les. Once you've suffered one concussion, you are forever susceptible to them. Protect your head.
the reverend dak12.10.08 - 12:54 pm
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So I guess that means if that if you have brakes and a helmet, you're a fake kid? That would make me an adult right?
no, toddler
Purp12.10.08 - 12:58 pm
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I wear mine all the time. Even in the shower.
One word of advice. Make sure the strap is secured tightly.. otherwise the helmet may fall off before you hit the ground. This happened to me a few times and was rather embarrassing. If you can fit two fingers between the strap and your chin.... it isn't tight enough.
stillline12.10.08 - 1:53 pm
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Purp,
I see now where this is going. I'll give you the honors. So tell me, how does one become an adult bike rider?
User112.10.08 - 2:16 pm
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I got a concussion wearing a full face helmet once. It was the World Championships I was hauling ass over a jump and FLEW OFF that mother fucker fell like ten feet and landed on my head.
it was 2002, they asked me who the President was I said Clinton! hahaahaha wishful thinking.
la duderina12.10.08 - 2:36 pm
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i've only recently started with the helmet thing and have worn it on every ride i've gone on except for one (ahem... santa... ahem)... but yeah i like! it totally makes me look hot!!!
it's a bern baker, i think they make mostly snowboarding helmets but they have a summer version that is good for sweat and hot and stuff.
neverclever12.10.08 - 2:54 pm
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i've already spent fucking 20k on college the least i can do is spend $50 on some brain insurance
wcfields12.10.08 - 3:04 pm
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I'm an action sport kinda guy. I'm wondering if they make any replacement foam for the inside of the helmet? Something that doesn't fall apart when I'm getting all hot and sweaty!
User112.10.08 - 3:47 pm
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https://www.helmetsrus.net/retail/product_info.php?cPath=43&products_id=114&osCsid=0dd21b961b18d20988a83757ea9103a0
Those are pretty solid, as they meet both the Bike Helmet standard and the Multi-Sport standard, and they're only $25. Target sells CPSC certified bike helmets for $15 or so. Cost has minimal relationship to safety (as long as they're certified), unless you're stepping up to a full-face helmet.
Whatever you get, just make sure you wear it. There's nothing more awkward than someone riding along with their helmet hanging off their handlebars or their bag.
JB12.10.08 - 4:29 pm
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I love the direction this thread has gone off on.
This was my intent with sharing my mishap with you.
JB is correct. Any helmet which is certified by the national safety entity is a good bet. Some certified lids cost $15 and others $150. Only difference is air holes for venting and strap systems. Maybe a way cool logo on the pricy ones.
Both will protect your noodle well.
Once the helmet is cracked, or the material starts to break down, its time for a new one.
I don't PLAN on ever having another run-in with a car or anything else. I do prepare for such a thing everyday.
Creative Thing12.10.08 - 8:24 pm
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Hey Leslie,
Glad to hear you are recovering ok and thanks for sharing your story.
I have always worn a helmet (i'm also far far away from a fashion statement so no benefit from not wearing one). I actually feel a little 'naked' without it.
Wishing you a quick heal.
stevo
stevo412.10.08 - 8:57 pm
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Once you wear a helmet for a couple months, you hate riding without it...
it's a good idea.
Glad to hear your relatively okay, Leslie!! get better soon...
Lance K12.11.08 - 3:57 am
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Oh shoot, Leslie.....wow. Sucks!! I'm glad you are not permanently damaged. I hope you feel better soon. Helmets are imortant, yes.
I gave the one I normally use to Mikey, and then I couldn't find my back up. So, I have been looking at helmets. I'm buying two...one at the local bike shop today...and one I ordered online.
'09 giro ionos, black.
'07 giro havoc, matte black.
tern12.11.08 - 4:20 am
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