Why’d you do that?

Had a minor incident on my way home from work today. Going to accept 33% of the blame just to be reasonable even though I think is less my fault than two car drivers.

The car in front of me indicated he was moving into the middle lane of 3 lanes. As he was about halfway across I was going around him on the right (being a motorcycle I don’t need a full lane width to pass someone).

Halfway during his manoeuvre a car in the far left lane, who was in a left turn only lane as well, moved into the middle lane then the driver that was moving out of my way veered back into the lane I was overtaking him in.

Mirror got a bit mangled and leg bumped up against his car. I came to a complete stop even though peak hour, he got out and I said just pull into that street on the left mate sort it out.

He did so and I parked up behind him. If you have read my column before I was reversed into while parked and the passenger of that car – not even the driver – immediately implied I was in the wrong and all aggressive. I was ready this time.

Out he gets oh you were trying to pass me and I said no I wasn’t trying I WAS passing you cos you were halfway in the other lane, don’t try and blame it on me, I have a camera I’m not worried about what happened you can’t just say I’m going here and then say nah fuck off and jump back in. He instantly changed his tune and said yes let’s swap details, etc.

After I calmed down and surveyed the damage, left mirror dangling but could tighten the bolt and should be okay, I said look mate I think it will be fine but give me your contact details in case I get home and it’s completely stuffed.

He was genuinely nice. He offered to get me a coffee or give me money for coffee as he was on his way to work and couldn’t stick around. I said that’s ok I’m fine, will just head home with me floppy mirror. He said please ride carefully because the adrenaline after such a thing is very high.

I thought about that later at home how calm and sweet he was even though I was pissed off and defensive and sweary. Looked him up on Facebook and sure enough a long career in crisis management, counselling and mental health worker. Nawww.

I messaged him tonight to say mirror is fine and I am fine, thank you for stopping and taking time to make sure I was ok.

Lessons for me: don’t be a dickhead when you’re mad, breathe, stay calm, don’t forget to care for others.