Blind spots are a significant risk for motorcyclists. Drivers can easily miss the smaller vehicles if they negligently fail to check their blind spots. Defensive riding is the best way to keep yourself safe as a motorcyclist. Assume other drivers will not see you or that you are in their blind spots. Take control of your safety by making it your responsibility to prevent riding in blind spots on motorcycles.
Watch Out in Congested Traffic
Blind spot accidents are common during times of heavy traffic when the congestion forces motorcyclists to idle next to other vehicles. Other drivers may make unsafe lane changes in their frustration with traffic or in a sudden hurry to make an exit. Always pay careful attention to the vehicles around you when stuck in traffic on a motorcycle. Prepare to maneuver away or hit your brakes if need be.
Stay Out of a Truck’s No Zone
Commercial trucks have much larger blind spots than typical motor vehicles. These spots are the “No Zones.” They extend one lane to the left, two lanes to the right, 30 feet to the rear, and 20 feet to the front of the truck. On a motorcycle, be careful to avoid prolonged riding in these areas. Quickly pass a big rig to its left when it’s safe to do so.
Avoid Danger Areas
Smaller vehicles also have no zones. The most common blind spots start at a car’s side mirrors and extend toward the vehicle’s rear. Stay out of these dangerous areas, and always pass while leaving enough room as a buffer between you and other vehicles. If a vehicle encroaches into your buffer space, maneuver accordingly.
Increase Your Visibility
You might not always be able to prevent blind spots, but you can increase the odds of another driver seeing you in time to avoid a collision. Increase your visibility by wearing bright colors or a bright helmet. Use daytime running lights. Make eye contact with other drivers when at stop signs or intersections to make sure they see you and are yielding the right of way.
Be Predictable
Motorcycle blind spot accidents can happen when the motorcyclist does something the other driver is not expecting, such as weaving through traffic or merging without using a turn signal. Decrease your risk of a collision by staying predictable to other drivers. Follow all roadway rules. Use your turn signals and stay within the speed limit. Staying prudent and predictable can help other drivers know where and when you are in their blind spots.
For more than 65 years, we’ve helped victims in Toledo and the surrounding area in Northwest Ohio. If you need legal assistance from a motorcycle accident lawyer, contact us today at 419-843-6663 or use our online contact form.
Kevin Boissoneault, is the President and Managing Partner of GT&B. He began his career at GT&B in 1992 and has built the Personal Injury section into one of the strongest and most successful firms in the region. His hard work and dedication as a compelling trial attorney and litigator has won many verdicts and settlements for his clients and their families. Kevin’s commitment to protecting those who have been injured through accident or negligence has brought justice for thousands of clients.
