Watching Out for Dog Walkers, Bikes, Truckers, and Ordinary Drivers

If you’re old enough to drive, you know all the rules, of course. But a reminder now and then about how to be careful—or more careful, is worth the effort.

But things happen. In my case, something could have turned into an accident this morning.

We live on a hilly road that also often has longish trucks carrying chickens or other animals. We also enjoy lovely country roads where bikers love to roam, especially with an impressive mountain (Massanutten Mountain) to gaze at. It is beautiful and I’m glad to have settled here with my husband.

This morning on my way to a swimming exercise program (Aqua Aerobics at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Center near Harrisonburg), I first saw a bike rider, and then realized a long chicken truck was actually a good deal over the middle line. On my half. I quickly got off the road into the grass, and then I noticed he was going over the line because of the biker near the hill top. Luckily it was not a steep side for me, but I breathed an air of relief to see that the three of us passed each other—me going east and the two of them going west. Whew.

That’s not the first time we’ve had close calls, both my husband and I, and a few scrapes when we ended up needing to get different cars. If I had done something so stupid as glancing down at my phone, for instance, or gazing off to the lovely mountains and trees and birds or houses … this story might have been different.

My mother (gone now since 2023) taught me some examples, to always focus on the road, even if you see pretty things nearby (she had some bang ups and close calls in her later years.) Since my husband usually drives places, I often look at the scenery nearby. However, when it’s deer time, my job is always watching the sides of the road, worrying about deer crossings.

I also want to remind dog walkers who have to follow narrow roads/banks to always walk in one line—hopefully your dog in front of you. When I used to walk our dog along a short patch of road just for a little exercise for us both, I always stopped walking and stepped off the road, until a car went by. Another good idea, in my book.

And bicycle people: always ride single file, especially if you have two on bikes: don’t do double. Ok? It makes car people quite nervous, as it should you, too. Now that we are older we can’t bike and we know these lovely June days which we’re getting now, are great for a sweet ride. But don’t let it be your last one. A man in our community recently lost his life on a nice and well-deserved bike ride.

My husband used to love biking and would go long distances, such as two hours away. So I’m not knocking bikers. But be careful!

Let’s pay it safer!

Any close calls you recall?

Accidents you’ve seen or experienced?

Either with dogs, humans, bikes, truckers, or cars!

Share your stories or guidance!

(Getty Image, above)