Motorcycle Blind Spots: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: 13.6.24

You're out on the road, feeling the wind rush past you as you navigate through traffic on your motorcycle.

It's liberating, but let’s not forget—riding a bike comes with its own set of responsibilities, including understanding your vehicle's blind spots.

Knowing these can mean the difference between a smooth ride and a tragic accident.

So, what exactly are motorcycle blind spots, and how can you navigate them to ensure a safer journey?

Let's find out.

The Anatomy of Motorcycle Blind Spots

What Is a Blind Spot?

First off, let's get the basics down. A blind spot is an area around your vehicle that you can't see directly while looking forward or through rear-view or side mirrors.

For motorcyclists, these areas typically exist on both the rear-left and rear-right sides.

Picture yourself riding: do you know what's directly behind your left shoulder?

Probably not, unless you turn your head to look.

Understanding Motorcycle Blind Spots

Knowing your motorcycle's blind spots is crucial for safe riding.

These blind areas can vary depending on the type of motorcycle and even the type of mirrors used.

In general, these vulnerable areas are often situated in the rearwards direction, specifically on the rear-left and rear-right.

Awareness of these zones is your first line of defense in collision avoidance.

Size and Location

The size and location of a motorcyclist’s blind spots depend on a few things: your height, your bike's design, and the type of mirrors you're using.

While some opt for specialised blind spot mirrors, they're not a magic fix.

Even with these, you should always be aware of the inherent blind spots your two-wheeler has.

Optional Equipment

There's a wide range of products designed to reduce the size of blind spots.

Blind spot mirrors, and advanced blind spot monitoring systems are increasingly popular, alerting you when a vehicle is lurking in your blind spot.

Think of it as an extra set of eyes on the road.

The Role of Proper Mirror Adjustment

Checking mirrors is a must, but it's also vital to ensure that they're correctly adjusted.

Poorly aligned mirrors can give the illusion of a clear blind spot when it's anything but.

It's a step that takes mere minutes but could prevent a tragic road casualty.

Related: How to Be a Responsible Motorcycle Rider

Blind Spots and Various Vehicles: What Motorcyclists Should Know

Passenger Vehicles

Ever find yourself cruising beside a car and wonder if they can see you?

Cars have their own blind spots, usually to the rear sides, and these can entirely obscure a motorcyclist from view.

SUVs

SUVs sit higher off the ground, giving the driver a more comprehensive road view. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they can see you better; their blind spots are typically larger.

Large Trucks

Getting caught in a truck's blind spot is dangerous. Trucks have extensive blind spots that can hide an entire motorcycle from the driver’s sight.

Always remember the mantra: "If you can't see the driver, the driver can't see you."

Other Motorcycles

Yes, other bikes can be in your blind spots too. When riding in a group, make sure to stagger your formation to remain visible to one another.

Changing Lanes and Overtaking

Before making any moves, make sure you do a head check by physically turning your head to check your blind spots.

A glance in the mirror isn't enough.

Turning your head can help you get a full view of what’s happening beside and behind you.

Practical Steps: Checking Your Motorcycle Blind Spots

Mirror Check

Before making any moves on the road, a quick glance at the mirror is essential.

It gives you a broad understanding of what's happening behind you.

However, mirrors can deceive.

Head Check Technique

This is where the "head check" comes into play. When you're about to change lanes or make a turn, swivel your head to look over your shoulder.

This quick check ensures that you've covered the areas your mirrors can't.

Technical Equipment

In an age where technology is seeping into every aspect of our lives, why should motorcycling be any different?

Blind spot monitoring systems are increasingly becoming mainstream for motorcyclists looking for an added layer of safety.

Proactive Measures: Tips to Prevent Blind Spot Accidents

Apart from the traditional safety gear, consider wearing reflective apparel and tape.

High visibility clothing with reflective material can dramatically improve your visibility to other road users, effectively making you more noticeable in their blind spots.

Stay Visible

A splash of high-visibility clothing can go a long way. Ever notice how road workers wear neon? It's all about being as visible as possible.

Safety Buffer

Maintain a safety buffer between you and other vehicles. If they can't see you, at least you can see them—and take evasive action if needed.

Reflective Gear

To enhance your protection, donning reflective apparel can be an effective safety precaution.

When riding close to automobiles, your peripheral vision isn't the only thing to rely on; make your presence known with reflective tape on your outfit and bike.

Avoid Blind Spots

Seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many riders loiter in other vehicles' blind spots.

If you can’t be in a driver’s line of sight, at least be somewhere they’re likely to look.

Related: Motorcycle Safety: A Beginner's Guide

For Motorists: Sharing the Road Safely

As a motorist, it’s easy to forget about the little guys, the motorcyclists.

To ensure their safety and yours, always double-check your blind spots before making a lane change.

Give motorcyclists ample space on the road, and never tailgate. They have as much right to be there as you do.

For Motorcyclists: Own Your Safety

It's a two-way street, literally. You need to own your safety.

Keep an eye out for other road users, follow best practices, and consider investing in safety gear and equipment that can save your life.

Proactive Measures: Tips to Prevent Blind Spot Accidents

To prevent blind spot accidents, visibility is key. Make sure to maintain a safe distance from large vehicles like trucks and SUVs.

This protective measure not only makes it easier for the vehicle operator, such as the lorry/truck driver, to see you but also gives you a better view of the road.

If a driver intends to change lanes, you'll see it coming.

The Importance of Checks in Riding

Conducting mirror checks and blind spot checks before lane changes or overtaking other vehicles is not just a good habit but a lifesaver.

Checking mirrors and doing a head check are necessary safety measures for any motorcyclist.

Remember, your rear observation is only as good as your last check.

Hand Signals

When overtaking on a motorcycle, hand signals can act as another layer of precaution.

In addition to your turn signals, use hand gestures to indicate your next move.

It serves as a double caution, ensuring that motor vehicle drivers around you know you're about to change lanes or make a turn.

The Role of Drivers in Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents

It's not just the motorcycle rider who needs to be cautious; car drivers and operators of other vehicles should also be vigilant.

Making use of driver's mirrors and paying attention to shaded areas can help in recognising a vulnerable rider in a dangerous area.

How to Handle Busy Intersections

With a higher risk of incidents and mishaps, busy intersections require extra care.

Your blind area extends in such scenarios, and moving off or slowing down should be executed with utmost caution.

Blue Shaded Areas and the Red Zone

Understanding the blue shaded areas and red zones around large vehicles can help in maintaining a safety buffer.

These are areas where the vehicle driver, especially the lorry driver, might not see you due to limitations in driver's peripheral vision.

Practical Steps: Checking Your Motorcycle Blind Spots

Weather Conditions and Blind Spots

Poor weather conditions, such as rain or fog, can make blind areas even more hazardous.

This affects visibility and can make the vulnerable motorcyclist even less visible to motor vehicles.

When the weather is less than ideal, extra caution should be exercised, especially when moving out from blind areas.

For Motorists: Sharing the Road Safely

Statistics on Blind Spot Accidents

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), a staggering 800,000+ blind spot accidents occur annually in the United States.

Specifically focusing on motorcycle crashes, a whopping 41% happen because other road users don't see the biker.

In 2019 alone, large trucks played a role in 15% of fatalities involving motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Road safety is critical for all, but given these statistics, it's paramount for motorcyclists.

Furthermore, 15% of large truck fatalities involved motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

In the UK, motorcyclists account for 20% of all road deaths.

These numbers serve as a stark reminder of the importance of being aware of blind spots and taking proactive measures for safety.

Conclusion

Understanding and being aware of blind spots while riding a motorcycle is critical for your safety and that of other road users.

By equipping yourself with the knowledge and tools to manage these invisible hazards, you're not just a motorcyclist; you're a responsible road user.

Stay safe and keep riding!

FAQs

How can drivers of cars and trucks better ensure they don't miss a motorcyclist in their blind spots?

Drivers should make it a practice to check and adjust their mirrors frequently and also look over their shoulder to check for vehicles in their blind spots before making any lane changes or turns. Utilising all available mirrors and taking an extra moment for a head check can significantly decrease the risk of a blind spot accident involving a motorcyclist.

Are there specific tools or accessories that can help motorcyclists minimise blind spots?

Yes, motorcyclists can invest in blind spot mirrors that attach to their existing side mirrors. These can widen the field of vision and help eliminate some of the typical blind spots. There are also advanced systems like blind spot detection technology available for some motorcycle models, providing an extra layer of safety.

What kind of reflective apparel is most effective for motorcyclists to wear to be more visible in a driver's blind spot?

Brightly coloured, reflective (Hi vis) jackets and helmets are most effective for increasing visibility. These can be seen more easily in a vehicle's mirrors and are especially useful in low-light conditions. Reflective tape can also be added to any gear and the motorcycle itself for added visibility.

How does the size and type of vehicle around me affect my blind spots when I'm on a motorcycle?

The larger the vehicle, such as a truck or SUV, the larger their blind spots will be. This means that when you're riding close to larger vehicles, you're more likely to be in their blind spot for an extended period. Always assume that you might be in a blind spot and act accordingly by either slowing down or safely overtaking the vehicle.