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No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, you have likely experienced the visual limitations known as blind spots. They are an aggravating but ever-present part of driving that we must all be aware of. Cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, 18 wheelers, and motorcycles must all deal with the same limitations, but to a different extent. Because the blind spots on motorcycles are some of the smallest, it can be easy to forget that you must still pay attention to them or risk having an accident. Knowing where the blind spots are for your bike, and for other vehicles, can help to minimize your risk of a collision.

Motorcycle Visual Limitations

Many motorcyclists may not even be aware of the fact that they have blind spots, instead only relying on their mirrors to let them know what is going on around them. This is a major mistake that one day could lead to an accident. Contrary to what some may think, motorcycles do in fact have considerable visual gaps that need to be checked. The blind spots for a motorcycle are similar to those found on a car. They extend from the point at which the driver's peripheral vision ends to where the mirror image in a rear view mirror begins. A simple shoulder check is all that is needed to check your visual gap; simply turn your head slightly to the left or right towards your shoulder. It is not necessary to do a full turn around to look for vehicles because your rear view mirrors cover much of this field of view.

When to Check for Vehicles

It is crucial to always check your blind spots whenever you decide to change lanes or change directions on your bike. Check for vehicles in the spots to your left and right before performing any of the following actions:
Turning or making a U-turnChanging lanesPassing another vehicleExiting or entering a highwayDon't Hide

While these hard to see areas may be clear most of the time, occasionally you will find someone sitting directly within your blind spot that you wouldn't have noticed without checking. Likewise, it is easy for a motorcycle to fit into another vehicle's visual gap without the other driver knowing that you are there. Stay out a car's blind spots by pulling far enough forward or back that the driver can see you. If you can't see the driver's face in his or her rear view or side mirrors, s/he likely can't see you either. This same rule applies to 18 wheelers and other large trucks.

To Learn More

For more information on motorcycle safety and awareness, please visit the website of Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyers Habush, Habush & Rottier, S.C. today.

Joseph Devine