[ben_w]

I was hit by a car once, due to the driver's lack of situational awareness.

I was turning from a major road into a minor road, a car was stopped at the exit to that minor road, but they failed to look in my direction, and pulled out into me.

My bike was a write-off, fortunately I was uninjured — they had started from stationary, so probably less than 10 mph when they hit me, and I always wear a helmet.

[palmfacehn]

Given the disparity of outcomes, I've always been vigilant of misbehaving drivers. This served me well as a bicycle messenger. Yes, drivers are responsible for violations of the official laws, but ultimately as cyclists we should seek to have maximum awareness. Otherwise you are surrendering agency to people who text while driving.

[RhysU]

My kid was bumped recently, by a similarly unobservant driver. Fortunately unharmed. I don't think the solution is reducing traffic density in my town, however, through taxation. Rather, encouraging accountability and discouraging distraction.