Stebel and habits paid off this morning

[bobhamlin]

My two brothers came up for the weekend, so I admit right off that I wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed on this morning's commute into DC. And that's where training pays off.

On multiple lane roads, I consciously drive in the third of the lane that is furthest away from traffic in the other parallel lanes. That gives me a little extra time if someone decides to change into my lane. I've learned to be particularly alert if that other lane is stacking up due to a slower lead vehicle. Somebody usually wants to get out of the stack, and they frequently make snap decisions.

This morning, I was cruising along in the left lane, not totally riveted to traffic implications (see "not the sharpest tool in the shed" above). As I overtook a column of cars, a car to my immediate right began coming into my lane. I watched their front left wheel almost in slow motion. A blast from the Stebel alerted the driver, and s/he retreated back into their lane. I wasn't consciously driving in the left third of my lane--I was doing it out of habit. It definitely gave me the time I needed. And Stebel did the rest.

Later on, this time on I-270, I was in the right-hand lane, passing a stack, and guess what? Yep. An SUV starts coming into my lane again. This wasn't as close as the previous encroachment (I was alert), but, again, the extra space and my Stebel gave me working room.

If you do not have an air horn yet, put it at the top of your acquisitions list. Vehicles with closed windows, ac, and music cannot hear our stock "meep-meeps." My Stebel has paid for itself many times over.

[lonewolf]

Have used mine a few times !! wouldnt be without one anymore !! Glad you got their attention !

[wnt2ryd]

I love mine so much, I'm debating trying to put another on the right hand side of the bike...

[bobhamlin]

Originally Posted by WNT2RYD

I love mine so much, I'm debating trying to put another on the right hand side of the bike...

Be careful! You might blow yourself backwards!

[wnt2ryd]

Nah. I actually need it to balance things out. My current Stebel faces left - I didn't face it forward in hopes of not filling it with grit, bugs, rain, etc. The problem is, when I hit the button, the horn blows my bike to the right! :)

So, another horn added to the right should keep me centered when I choose to blast them!

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Glad you have good habits Bob. Those horns will get peoples attention.

[ringadingh]

I'll be replacing mine again as my original air horn didn't survive the accident. Everything helps and leave nothing to chance when riding.

[socwkbiker]

Mine saved me multiple times in DFW traffic. People just don't pay any attention to what they're doing or who is around when they are in their traveling "homes".

[sdinkins]

Two weeks ago I used mine as a lady in a caddy came over into my lane. She heard it stopped coming over then waived and came over anyway. Good thing for me I had let off the gas when I hit my horn so her bumper missed my tire by about 6 feet. Dammdest thing I have ever seen done to me so far. But I have to say that Stebel horn is the best investment I have made for my bike.

Dink

[Bull Durham]

Been meaning to get one and install it. Does anyone recommend one place over the other to buy one?

[skeeter]

Originally Posted by Dink

Two weeks ago I used mine as a lady in a caddy came over into my lane. She heard it stopped coming over then waived and came over anyway. Good thing for me I had let off the gas when I hit my horn so her bumper missed my tire by about 6 feet. Dammdest thing I have ever seen done to me so far. But I have to say that Stebel horn is the best investment I have made for my bike.

Dink

They must think your sounding the horn is acknowledgment that you see them and that it's OK for them to come on over.

[bobhamlin]

Originally Posted by Bull Durham

Been meaning to get one and install it. Does anyone recommend one place over the other to buy one?

It sounds like there are lots of favorite places.

I made a bracket (fancy way of saying I cut, bent and twisted some stainless steel bar) and mounted mine to the left down-tube in the space above the shifter.

[wiz]

The horn is great and minding your "space cushion" adds a lot to your safety. Two good safety measures and good work dodging traffic!

[wnt2ryd]

Originally Posted by Dink

She heard it stopped coming over then waived and came over anyway. Good thing for me I had let off the gas when I hit my horn so her bumper missed my tire by about 6 feet..

Dink

Nothing like having a cager acknowledge the fact that they nearly killed you.... :(" title="" border="0"/>

[Loafer]

I disagree with riding Left of center when in the Left hand lane.
I always ride Left of center in the Right lane and Right of center in the Left lane.
I almost ride next to the driver's window. I don't want to be in a blind spot, I want them to feel my presence. Granted I don't ride in traffic like some of you, but if they don't see you, you can expect they will drive over you. Some day even that loud horn will fail you. JMO.