[partdeux]

I almost nailed someone's lost pet last night because of their stupidity.

2 lane dark road, light rain and there's an SUV stopped on the side of the road. I'm tunnel vision on this vehicle, because there's somebody standing behind it and it appeared to roll forward slightly. All of a sudden, SWMBO yelps and reaches for my arm, and I catch a glimpse of this fur ball running straight towards the car. It was only by the grace of God I didn't squish the little fur ball. I'm strictly guessing, their family pet had gotten out and they found it, stopped the car and were calling the dog to come to them. The rolling forward may have been the driver forgetting he was not in park and starting to get out.

[KABAR2]

It's not just pets..... a few weeks ago around 11pm I was turning a corner at a light, the street light on the corner is not working so it is really dark there, I make sure there is no oncomming traffic and make the turn, I almost hit a Black man who was crossing the street! he was waring dark clothes and was almost where my truck came through he had to get up on his tippy toes to keep from getting brushed by my truck! it scared both of us.... he was fine just shook up thankfully, I would hate to of had his death or injury on my hand even if it was an accident....

[c3shooter]

About 2 years ago, almost bagged a bicyclist- 11:30 at night, he was ridining in an unlighted area, NO lights, NO reflectors, navy blue shirt and pants. Actually recognized him as a biker at a range of maybe 50 feet- in a 45 mph zone. SWERVE!

About 400 yards beyond him was a 7-11. I pulled over, waved him down. Young man about 20. I told him I had almost had him for a hood ornament on the jeep- he explained his car had broken down, he had ridden bike to work, forgot it would be dark when he got off.

I dug around in my construction gear in the back, and found my spare traffic vest- orange and yellow with retroreflective strips- made him promise to wear it, and get some lights on the bike. He thanked me, offered to mail the vest back- told him to keep it, and wear it if he was going out at night- he promised he would.

Scared the crap outa me.