I like to think that I drive well. I travel the speed limit, and I don't use my phone. I look out for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially when shadows and background foliage can obscure the view, but I recently made a careless mistake that could have ended badly.

I was driving in mid-day light traffic, and I went to turn left onto a side street, and I only noticed a motorcyclist coming the opposite way after I committed. His skillful riding kept him from running into me. I was a bit shaken by this near miss, and as I drove away, the rider had turned around to come after me. As I pulled over and rolled down the window, he raised his voice, telling me that he could have been killed. I felt embarrassed as I apologized, stating that I didn't see him until I was turning, but I had no good excuse.

I am writing this to remind myself to do better, and if even a few readers are prompted to be more aware as drivers, it might help.

Philip Miller

Ivoryton