Collision Type No. 5 > The Right Hook, Part II

Skate safety:

10 Ways to Not Get Hit

Collision Type No. 5
The Right Hook, Part II

You're passing a slow-moving car on the right, when it unexpectedly makes a right turn right into you on its way to a parking lot, driveway or side street.

How to avoid this collision:

1. Don't pass on the right. This collision is very easy to avoid. Just don't pass any vehicle on the right. If a car ahead of you is going only 10 mph, then slow down. It will eventually start moving faster. If it doesn't, pass on the left when it's safe to do so.

When passing other skaters or cyclists on the left, announce "on your left" before you start passing, so they don't suddenly move left into you. If they're riding too far to the left to pass safely, then announce "on your right" before passing on the right.

If several cars are stopped at a light, then you can try passing on the right cautiously. Remember that someone can fling open the passenger door unexpectedly as they exit the car. Also remember that if you pass on the right and traffic starts moving again, you may suffer No. 3, the Red Light of Death.

Note that when you're tailing a slow-moving vehicle, stay behind it, not in its blind spot (immediately to its right). Even if you're not passing a car on the right, you could still run into it if it turns right while you're next to it. Give yourself enough room to brake if it turns.

2. Look behind you before turning right. Look behind you before making a right-hand turn to make sure a skater or cyclist isn't trying to pass you on the right. (Also remember that they could be coming up from behind you on the sidewalk while you're on the street.) Even if it's the other skater's fault for trying to pass you on the right, it won't hurt any less when they hit you.

(Go to Collision Type No. 6)