Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Fucking car doors


Probably a messengers worst nightmare. Certainly one of mine.

I have a beautiful scar on my right shoulder from about 5 years ago when a nurse (yes, nurse) opened a door on me on College Green. My bars hit the door and threw me shoulder first into the edge of it. My shoulder then dutifully acted as a lever and somersaulted me over the car where I landed on my back in some considerable amount of discomfort.

The nurse gigglingy informed me that I'd be fine, and gave me her phone number(saucy). When I got home and peeled off my clothing I was amazed to find that I could see right in to my shoulder! Like a true messenger I decided I didn't need to go to hospital and that I'd be fine with lashings of Betadine and some painkillers.

Upon awakening the next morning I found I couldn't actually sit up in bed... or move the right side of my torso. I had to slide myself out of bed, fall to the floor, and drag myself up by the wall. 2 weeks off work, no compensation, joy.
It's the kind of shit that makes you want to do what Ryan did(see previous post).

And I count myself lucky:

NYC bicyclist hits open car door, is struck by truck, dies

NEW YORK - A Manhattan bicyclist has been killed after crashing into an open car door.

Police say 63-year-old David Smith struck the door of a parked car and was thrown into oncoming traffic as he rode northbound on Sixth Avenue near 36th Street. The impact caused him to land on the street, where he was struck by a passing truck.

Smith was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The driver who opened the door has been issued three summonses.

Fuck car doors, and all who open them without checking their mirrors.


Nice idea... unfortunately seeing as the drivers have to look in their mirrors in the first place in order to read the sticker I can't see it having much of an impact...
Read more about the wonderfully progressive Toronto here.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Always ride outside the 'door zone' when possible... some of the best advice I've been given.

Buffalo Bill said...

Oww!

Anonymous said...

thats hapen to me also when i was working in bagot street i pas by the road just befor my job and sudainly the old man in his car open the door some times i have time to move a way but this time not was close too much i fall down i said to the driver is ok nothing hapen im ok im going working and back at home normal in the morning my knee pine me i can not wolk normal until yet