Using S.E.E. (Search, Evaluate, Execute)

by Jamie C. Wells, Texas

My story starts off as I was riding my bike home from work. It was a busy traffic day, as it usually is in Dallas. I take the side streets home most of the time, which is what I was doing this day. I pulled up to a stoplight and noticed that there was a truck a few cars in front of me that was carrying a set of mattresses in the bed. Of course, what I noticed next was that they weren't tied down! As the light turned green and the traffic started to move, I found myself riding directly behind the truck, I quickly checked my mirrors and made the glance to the right and switched to the right lane. The truck also switched lanes, to the far left of the road. I kept my distance and sure enough about 50 yards further down the road another car pulled up behind the truck as the top mattress flew off the truck like it was a piece of lightweight cardboard. It landed right on top of the car behind the truck. Ok for the car, it didn't hurt the driver any, but if I had not looked at the situation and taken action, I might have been under that mattress! 

Submit your story
Every rider has a favorite story about a lesson learned on the road. We'd like to hear yours. Whether you are a new rider or an old hand, tell us your story. What safety tips can you pass on to others? Stories should be limited to about 250-500 words. E-mail them to kglaser@msf-usa.org . 

Call (800) 446-9227 for the rider course nearest you.