Photonist, these are great signs! I started having many dreams like this just before I really hit my stride with lucid dreaming. At first they'll drive you a little bit crazy but at least they make for some funny stories.

These "close calls" are just part of the learning process. The more of these you have, the more easily you'll recognize them for what they are when they happen. This is all part of the process of "getting to know" your dreams and all of this is a great sign.

Have a good laugh when these happen and then really ponder them. Think about all the clues that you'll have available to latch onto in the future. This will pay off handsomely down the road!