Motorcycle blind spots are the places through which Dallas motorcycles travel on roadways where the other drivers cannot see the motorcyclists. The motorcycle blind spots are different for different vehicles. For instance, is located directly behind a tractor-trailer is considered a motorcycle blind spot but not for a car. Read on to learn the locations for safer Dallas motorcycle driving.
Motor vehicles: Motorcyclists should be most cognizant of other vehicles’ actions when they are changing lanes. Although motorists are taught to check their blind spots by looking over their shoulders before changing lanes, they sometimes rely solely upon their mirrors. There is a small area that can’t be seen using mirrors, and it is in this spot where a motorcyclist is in danger.
When traveling in a lane next to another vehicle, motorcyclists can know if they’re in a blind spot by looking at the vehicle’s mirrors. If you can’t see the driver’s face, then that means the driver can’t see you. Move out of the blind spot as quickly as possible. If the driver makes a move to change lanes and doesn’t bother checking his/her blind spot, you could be struck.
Large trucks: The blind spots for a truck are much larger, especially in the back and on the right side. The blind spot behind a semi extends 200 feet behind it. Additionally, the blind spot on the right side is almost twice as long as that on the left. Finally, the area 10-20 feet directly in front of the truck is a hazardous area for motorcyclists. The same adage holds true for trucks: If you can’t see the driver’s face, he/she can’t see you. If it becomes necessary to pass a truck, it’s best to pass on the left side.
The back of a truck can be even more dangerous. Not only is the truck driver unable to see the bike, but there also is no way for a motorcyclist to see around a semi. And if traveling too closely, a rider would have very little opportunity to brake if the truck were to slow down suddenly.
When traffic is heavy, it becomes a little more tricky to avoid being in a vehicle’s blind spot. There may be little opportunity to pass and get out of the way. When this happens, the best thing a rider can do is try to stay in a position where the driver can see the bike. This could be just far enough ahead that the bike is visible to the driver or toward the back where the person can see the bike in the rearview mirror. The front 3/4 and rear 3/4 angle views from a driver’s seat should be considered motorcycle blind spots.
Some other suggestions that can help reduce motorcycle blind spots are:
As an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, Julie Johnson has a plethora of articles on issues that bikers in Dallas want to know. Visit the website to learn about the motorcycle helmet law in Texas, motorcycle safety gear, and motorcycle safety tips to avoid an accident.
