Hey dummy, look ahead for brake lights!

[greatmaul]

Wow glad you are ok! Panic stops on the highway are definitely no fun, and I think that's where a lot of motorcycle fatalities take place. Good job getting off the road and that the idiot behind you didn't hit you.

Oh, and good lesson, too, that no matter what lane you're in for whatever reason, give yourself enough space to stop. I find that in rush hour traffic on the highway, I feel very pressured to keep up with the vehicle ahead of me so that people won't think I'm slowing the pace down. I often ride too close in these situations, so this warning is definitely well taken.

And mrmld1 is correct. Always beware of highsiding!