Well, yesterday.
Mother (I assume) in a people carrier, at least three young kids strapped in, attempting to negotiate a right turn on what is effectively a staggered crossroad on a busy main road into Beckenham (by Birkbeck station), with poor sight lines owing the tram/train bridge (which the road has to dip under). Gradually edging out into traffic without once looking to her left or across the junction to where I was (commonsense advised me to just leave her to it, the probability of her noticing a cyclist was nil). She wasn't indicating, but then she was far enough into the main roadway for her intent to be clear.
It probably goes without saying that she had a mobile wedged between shoulder and ear and was deep in conversation (this explains why she could only look left). She seemed to be rummaging under the dashboard for something at the same time, which I assume was why the phone wasn't in her hand.
Anyway, she was almost hit by two cars but despite some vigorous beeping I don't even think she noticed, so evidently engrossing was her phone call. Last seen heading toward Beckenham.
FFS, what conversation can be that important? I was waving my arms and mouthing PUT THE PHONE DOWN (which she also didn't notice) since I was convinced something was going to broadside her, and it really was just pure unadulterated luck she made it through unscathed.
