A DRAMATIC dashcam video shows the moment a cyclist comes within inches of being flattened by a 3.5 tonne van travelling at 50mph.
The footage shows the cyclist pull out on to a main road without looking, forcing the van driver to veer to the side of the road to avoid an accident.
The fact a tragedy was avoided is all the more remarkable as the road was extremely wet at the time, increasing stopping distance.
At the start of the clip the van can be seen travelling on the A87 at Sligachan, Skye, at 12.15pm on Monday (AUG 14).
As the van approaches the junction, the cyclist, wearing a bright yellow jacket, can be seen approaching the give way – but makes no moves to stop.
Instead the cyclist pulls out right in front of the van, forcing the driver to swerve to the left.
The dash cam driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, commented:
“I was travelling 45-50 mph as I approached the junction and he just pulled out without looking at all. I still don’t know how I managed to miss him.
“He said that he misjudged the speed I was doing, which is rubbish as he clearly didn’t look – he just went straight out.”
A spokesman for Scotland’s Worst Drivers, who obtained the footage, said:
“This cyclist is extremely lucky to still be alive. Heavy praise goes to the quick reactions of this driver and his ability to avoid the cyclist on a wet road at short notice.
“It is crazy that a cyclist would wear a helmet, and a yellow fluorescent jacket but ignore a basic rule of the road.
“I hope this is serves as a reminder to others to never assume it’s safe to proceed without stopping to check properly first.”
