When a motorcycle is in the blind spot of a car or truck, accidents are obviously much more likely to occur. Blind spots are extremely dangerous for motorcycles since they are smaller than cars and more difficult to see. Of course, when a car changes lanes and a motorcycle is in its blind spot, any accident will produce serious, potentially life-threatening injuries, or even death.
In an effort to avoid these type of blind spot motorcycle accidents, we have prepared the following safety and educational suggestions:
How to Identify Blind Spots:
Blind spots are the areas around a car or truck where the driver cannot see you through the simple use of side or rear view mirrors. All vehicles, including motorcycles, have blind spots. The rule of thumb is that the larger the vehicle, the larger the blind spot will be. When a driver turns or changes lanes into the path of a motorcycle, a serious accident can occur.
The common areas for blind spots include the area between what you see as you look forward and what you can see in your rearview mirror and the area is hidden from view because of the body of the vehicle. Depending on the design of the vehicle, the exact location of the blind spot can change. Also, window pillars or headrests can create blind spots, albeit much smaller in size.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Blind Spot Motorcycle Accident:
Both drivers of cars and trucks and motorcyclists can help reduce the risk of a blind spot accident by abiding by certain safety techniques.
Tips for Cars and Trucks:
- Proper adjustment of the rear view and side view mirrors every time you are behind the wheel. The view from the rear view mirror should be such that the view is framed. The side view mirrors should point toward each side’s blind spot.
- Looking over your shoulder before changing lanes is a great idea to double check that a motorcycle is not in your blind spot.
- Always use a blinker to signal a lane change, It is also suggested to allow the blinker to be activated several seconds before the turn or lane change is implemented.
- Always stay alert of other traffic around you.
Tips for Motorcyclists:
- Avoid riding in blind spots. Always try to ride in front of or behind a vehicle, rather than to the side of it.
- Always drive defensively by scanning the area around you and giving yourself an ample cushion to take evasive action if needed.
- Stay at least 20 feet behind a car or truck at all times.
- Wearing bright clothing increases your visibility especially if your motorcycle is not well lit or dark colored.
- Always keep your headlights on regardless of the time of day. I have also had clients buy additional ring lighting to wrap their motorcycle.
- If you have to pass a car or truck, please do so quickly so as to reduce the amount of time that you are in the blind spot.
- Be especially careful at dusk and dawn. Although there are not many motorcycles on the road early in the morning, if you happen to be one of them, please be vigilant because other vehicles will not expect to see you. Likewise, it has been my experience that many motorcycle accidents occur at dusk when lighting is poor. These low visibility times are the most dangerous for all motorcycle accidents, including those in blind spots.
Blind spot motorcycle accidents are unfortunately very common. While Florida is a wonderful place to ride a motorcycle, it can also be dangerous and deadly. Due to high congestion and many elderly drivers, motorcyclists are always at risk. Hopefully, by employing these safety tips and increasing awareness of the presence of motorcycles, we can reduce or eliminate these dangerous accidents.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, then you should take the proper measures to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas today and speak with an attorney. For over 60 years our firm has been successfully helping people who have been injured due to someone else’s carelessness. We have been nationally ranked for decades by US News and World Reports as a Tier 1 law firm, which is the highest ranking that can be received. Sean McQuaid and Jonathon Douglas have dedicated their careers to continuing the firms legacy of superior legal representation.
Remember that we never charge a fee, unless we win. Call us today at 727-381-2300 so that we may answer your questions, help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, and recover the compensation that you deserve.
We work hard to make sure each and every client gets the attention that they deserve. We appreciate feedback from our clients and reviews are validation of our work. Every 5 star review that we receive lets us know that our services were appreciated by our clients.
St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas
5858 Central Ave suite a
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
(727) 381-2300
