Young driver error. Even without the lead vehicle using a turn signal the "following" driver should PAY ATTENTION.

Maybe I just notice it more as I age but drivers all seem to be in a hurry these days. They tailgate, try to pass in unsafe areas and are just generally rude. When people pass me and I catch up to them at a stop light or stop sign, I clap at them when they look in their rear view mirror: "YAY..you beat me to the stop sign!"

Based on the drawing the driver in the first vehicle was paying attention and chose to go around the car in other lane but because of the left hand turn without a turn signal they bumped.

This is a classic case of tailgating and if the follow vehicle (VEH-1)was paying attention then he would of known to go right and drive on the shoulder. Especially since vehicle 2 was turning or even motioning to the left. Doug you are right about the traffic issues. However, we have to remember these roads were built decades ago by poor planning for growth, greater traffic volumes, with the addition of technology interference such as cell phones (texting being the major issue), DVD screens on the front console, sounds systems that can blow out peoples eardrums, and distract people and cause people not to hear the sirens behind them.

Perfect example of these interferences are the motorcycle accidents. Yes you have those Mr Dumasses that have their sports bike using the highways as their personal drag and stunt strip. However accidents involving cruiser and street class motorcycles are on a rise due to a few reasons. One, motorcycle sales are rising on a yearly bases with the gas prices rising. Two, people of all ages texting, talking, in a rush (late or going to be late) and just not paying attention. Third, operator error, inexperience riders.

There's no mention in the report of how closely vehicle 2 was following. And we could speculate about inattention. Was the pass on the left intended to be a pass or a late maneuver in an attempt to avoid a collision? We don't know.

Either way, when two vehicle collide, someone wasn't paying attention, period. Accidents don't just happen, with FEW exceptions. An act of god such as getting hit by lightning while sitting in your own living room would be something we have no control over for the most part. When two vehicles collide, it was avoidable by one or both drivers if they'd been driving correctly.

For instance, just because the light turns green while you're sitting at a red, does that mean you shouldn't look both ways to make sure that some idiot isn't running the red in their direction? Myself, I always look both ways even if I have a green. It's my responsibility to NOT get hit even though I may have the right of way. the same goes for pedestrians at a crosswalk. Just because they have the right of way doesn't mean that it absolves them of making sure that they don't get hit.

I started driving "defensively" long before I started riding a cruiser. The defensive measures have become even more acute since obtaining my bike license. When making left turns on the bike, my eyes constantly go to the side view mirrors to make sure I'm not going to be the next fatality report in the Batavian.

Driving takes planning and forethought. Bike riding courses teach the "SEE" method: "Search, Evaluate, Execute". The search part doesn't just mean "search ahead". It means "search" all around you.

Most drivers are rank amateurs even when they have decades of experience. They picked up bad habits and never self evaluated their own driving in order to correct them.

If drivers kept their distance, kept track of traffic to the rear of them especially in multi-laned roads and would go when they have the right of way, traffic would flow nicely. We've all seen the "polite driver" who tries to wave along everyone else when they in fact have the right of way and should GO! This makes it difficult for people who know the rules and try to drive by them.

Well put Doug. Also, some people don't look down the road to see what may be going on. Be aware. How many times have I been on Main St Batavia with a firetruck or ambulance screeming towards me and I've pulled over but the car behind me goes around me almost hitting the emergency vehicle? I put my turn signal on and slowly pull over...still I've almost been hit or the emergency vehicle. Or a stopped school bus on Main St with the red light flashing? I've also been at the light in front of the post office.. when it turns green I make sure traffic on 63 traveling North is not going to run that light...I've seen sooo many people do that.

You are right Howard no mention of how close the follow vehicle was in the article. However, Mr. Stanek admitted that he didn't see a turn signal on Mr Kopp's chevy pick-up. So, do we still say it was unattentive or was he following too close to have a proper reaction. The diagram points to following too close and not giving himself the proper reaction time to avoid the collision. After all if he saw no turn signal, he should of noticed in advance that the vehicle was slowing down (brake lights?).

Doug glad you remember the MSF rule for riding, but remember even doing the S.E.E. doesn't always ensure your safety. Had a friend killed by a driver who pulled out right in front of him when he just entered the intersection. Police stated that he had no chance and no warning. This driver did stop and apparently looked, but was totally unaware he was there (I can only speculate that she was trying to beat the traffic she did see). Another MVA where it was the same issues. The girl that pulled out was texting and said she didn't see him (that off duty officer was an MSF instructor).

Doug I am agreeing with you, but defensive driving isn't always the answer and sometimes offensive is needed. Better defensive though. As a fellow rider offensive and defensive driving techniques are required sometime down the road. Keep riding safe and may GOD Bless you on your travels.

John, the diagram is not to scale.

Im the driver in the first car i want to clear the air way of this artcile. this is false what was said was a lie. i wasn't following this guy what so ever and i was heading to my buddy's house to take him home because i work with him and yes he was my passanger in this accident but what really happened was i was coming up to the corner and started slowing down and i seen kopps truck on the side of the road at i mailbox with no lights"hazards turns signals nor brake lights" so i slowed down more because i didnt know what he was doing but as so as i started got so many feet from him he made a hard left turn to turn in this driveway which theres about ten feet of lawn so no u turn would of made it in that driveway so i tried to miss him and hit his front drivers fender and then moved me into the tree. he went straight down the road into somenones yard. this is what kopp told the police and i only told the cop i didnt see a turn signal because i didnt so yeah i was paying attention and so people dont young driver this artcile because you dont know what happened and it was a false report because kopp told my brother he didnt know i was behind him but thanks for your time and hope you enjoy my opinion