Close Call with a Cager

[Gangman036]

Friday I was coming home and was just about to turn into my drive way on US 40. I had seen the full sized ford van behind me and that he too had his turn signal on. I had my turn signal on and pumping the brake. (there is a 3-way junction 300 yards past my house) Just as I was turning left into my driveway.............I hear tires screeching behind me. The van had closed the gap between us significantly and was now going around me on my left (in the on coming traffic lane)....the same way I was turning. I veered to the right (staying in my lane) as the van went around me on the left. Had I just went ahead and turned.............he would have got me. 

I have always thought I was good at situational awareness...........but got handed a lesson that had my hands shaking for a bit. Watch out out there......................even  behind you !!!  Ride Safe

[Tropic traveler]

I hear you on that kind of experience Gangman!
I know it may aggrevate some car drivers but two things I do seem to have helped me in "those" driving situations that we all know about.
I put LOUD car horns on all our bikes & I will give a short little "toot" on them as I see a car rolling up to the road I'm on from a side street. It is amazing how many times it makes them snap their heads in my direction & then complete their stop. Also I give a little "waggle" of the bike to move the headlight about to show oncoming car drivers that want to turn in front of me that "I'm Here!". Can't quantify if these tactics have worked but so far so good.
I also give a little "pre stop" which is just a bit of premature braking before I get to my turn off when there are vehicles behind me. That way they are aware I might stop before I really do & while I still have the room to get away from them. Kinda maybe wakes them up before the main event. I also use blinkers AND a hand signal before turning if cars are back there.
Bottom line is I try to do as many things AHEAD of time to break the trance car drivers seem to be in while they drive. As we all know, motorcycles lose everytime in a wreck with a 4 wheeler!  :'(