Motorcycle Safety: Ways to Prevent Blind Spot Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often cause devastating injuries. One common type of motorcycle accident involves other vehicles’ blind spots – when a motorcyclist rides in these areas, it is very difficult for the driver to see the bike and its rider.
Drivers and motorcyclists alike must effectively check their blind spots to reduce the risk of blind spot accidents.
If you have been injured in a blind spot motorcycle accident or any other type of motorcycle crash, our Sacramento motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help you – request a free, no obligation consultation today and learn more about your legal rights.
How to Check for Blind Spots
A blind spot is an area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see in his or her mirrors. Because a driver has no direct line of sight into this area, he or she is unable to detect hazards within it, such as a motorcyclist.
Since you cannot see what is in these zones by checking mirrors, you need to know the additional steps required to make sure blind spot areas are clear before making traffic maneuvers.
- When pulling out of a parked position, check for activity behind your vehicle. Use your rear and side view mirrors, and physically look over your right shoulder to the rear of your vehicle. Rolling the window down to make this check can enhance visibility.
- If your vehicle is equipped with assistive technology designed to provide blind spot visibility, use it. Reverse assistant alarms work to reduce blind spots, though the technology does not entirely eliminate them. Use a combination of the technology, mirror checks and physical, over-the-shoulder checks, before pulling out of a parked position.
- When driving, know where your blind spots are, as well as the blind spots of other vehicles. Use your mirrors and do a quick glance to the side to check blind spots as best as possible before you change lanes, merge or enter a roadway.
- Use your turn signal when ever changing or merging to alert other drivers.
Tips to Help Avoid a Blind Spot Motorcycle Accident
Both motorists and motorcyclists should actively work to avoid blind spot accidents by taking certain actions whenever on the road.
What Motorists Should Do
- Before you hit the road, ensure your mirrors are properly adjusted to give you the best visibility. With proper positioning, your mirrors greatly reduce the size of your vehicle’s blind spots. Your rearview mirror should show the entire rear window. Side mirrors should be positioned toward your vehicle’s blind spots.
- Never drive distracted. Distractions limit your awareness of motorcycles that enter your blind spots.
- Always use turn signals when you change lanes or turn. If a motorcyclist is in your blind spot, this alerts the rider to your plans so he or she is able to move. Turn on your signal and allow some time for the motorcyclist to move.
What Motorcyclists Should Do
- Know where the blind spots of nearby vehicles are and stay out of them whenever possible.
- Ride in front of or behind a vehicle rather than in a position next to it. Only ride beside a vehicle when passing and complete a pass quickly and safely before entering the space in front of a vehicle.
- Keep extra space between your motorcycle and other vehicles. At least 20 feet of buffer space reduces the amount of time you spend in vehicles’ blind spots.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing and use headlights to improve your visibility and help other motorists see you and your bike.
When to Contact an Attorney
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At The Arnold Law Firm, our team of lawyers is well-versed in California motorcycle laws and can investigate your claim to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Schedule a free consultation to determine if you have a valid claim against the at-fault party. We charge no upfront fees and payment is only due if we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today at (916) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation.
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