Almost got into an accident because I went the speed limit
New rider here, just recently hit 100 miles on my bike. Decided to go on a ride after work, went around my town a bit taking random turns and seeing where they led. Decided to go down a "highway" I was familiar with (only as passenger in a car), fastest I've ever gone. 45 mph. First time in 6th gear. Yes, baby level.
I went for a while, turned off to zip up my jacket and then started back the way I came. Did very well on getting up to speed quickly. The speed limit was 45, and I know damn well I was ON IT. A car behind me didn't like that.
I was peeking at them in my rearview, and I saw how close they got to me. It was two lanes (two lanes going each direction) they had full ability to go around, which they eventually did. When they changed lanes to be in my lane again I assumed they were just crabby, and saw they left their turn signal on, but I for whatever reason assumed they left it on after changing lanes again.
We go around a curve and I see brake lights. I'm putting on brakes, clutch in, and I see cars coming the other direction. The car definitely isn't turning before I get there. As the car gets closer and closer I'm putting more brake pressure, but it still feels like I'm braking too slow, and I was positive I was going to experience my first accident.
At this point I felt like progressive braking wasn't enough, and I just grab the brakes, and I feel the bike lurch. I end up coming full stop about 3 feet from their bumper. Thank god the car behind me was paying attention.
I'm in 6th gear at this point, so I jab at the shifter to try to get down to 1st and the bike does that thing where you need to roll it a bit to get it in gear. I'm mentally praising the car behind me for being my shield during this. As I get it into 5th, I stall.
I managed to get it down into 1st and get going again, and went straight home. I'm typing this out less than a half hour after it happened.
I didn't even think to change lanes in the moment, but I didn't have time to check my mirrors. My eyes were locked in front of me, looking at opposing traffic and the car in front of me. In the moment, I wasn't even shaken. Surprised that I managed to stop in time yes, but my focus was on getting going and out of the way, not panicking.
I know I should've tried a lane change or been more suspicious of their blinker. I think I had slowed down at least, but definitely not slow enough. I don't know if I should have applied more brake pressure, or if that would've made ABS kick in. I guess the progressiveness of my braking needs to get faster?
If y'all have any tips so I don't almost rear end another car, please share. I need to make it home safe every day, my cats need me lol