One remarkably lucky rider

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Maybe my way of thinking is wrong but if I have a shoulder on the right of any kind, I'd rather take my chances riding off on it assuming it has been graded at all, rather than riding near the center line, plus on a two lane road, it gives people in the opposite direction wanting to pass a better angle to see my headlight...so I take the right lane near the line a lot.

If following a car then I tailgate a little so if someone in the opposite direction tried to turn left in front of me they couldn't hit me if they tried because I would be tucked behind the car in front like a running back with a blocker.

If the car in front stops suddenly, at least I have an exit hole to the right instead of flipping over them or splattering on their rear window if it's an SUV, or going into the opposite lane risking a head on.

The only time I ride on the left side of the lane is if there is a lane to my right. Then I can exit to the median and/or gives me a little better view point of what cars up ahead are doing.

That's my strategy for surviving, I'd be interested to hear others ideas.

Yes to all the above. Tail-end Charlie is the one who usually gets in trouble. Traffic will see and plan on just you, and won't take note of a second rider if he is lagging.

Often, laggers are just far enough behind to ensure a perfect storm; not close enough to be seen, but not far enough behind to avoid the problem.

Timid or inattentive riders often have this issue.