How to Prevent Blind Spot Motorcycle Accidents

Thursday, November 4, 2021

How to Prevent Blind Spot Motorcycle Accidents

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Motorcycles are smaller and easier to maneuver than other vehicles, which is one reason why these vehicles are so attractive to some riders. However, the risk of a serious or even deadly motorcycle accident is far greater for riders for the same reasons, and riders often get hit by drivers who do not see them as they are riding or approaching a vehicle from that vehicle’s blind spot.

If you are hit by a distracted or otherwise negligent driver, speak with a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. 

Motorcycles in Blind Spots

Blind spots are areas of the road that a driver cannot see while looking in their mirrors. To see a vehicle or motorcycle in that blind spot, a driver must physically turn his or her head instead of relying on side or rearview mirrors.

Most motor vehicles, especially older models or larger vehicles, have blind spots. Newer models might have camera-assisted driving, which aims to remove these blind spots – but even then, the driver must pay attention, avoid distractions, and look at all the viewpoints to identify an object in a possible blind spot.

A driver who fails to check his or her blind spots can cause a serious accident by hitting a motorcycle when changing lanes, or by forcing the motorcycle to swerve. A motorcyclist might swerve into oncoming traffic or off the other side of the road, which can both result in devastating motorcycle crashes.

Avoiding a Motorcycle Blind Spot Accident

It is critical that drivers watch for other vehicles and motorcyclists in their blind spots, and motorcyclists also must be on the lookout not to find themselves riding in the driver’s blind spot area or zone.

Blind spots are typically in areas such as the rear left, rear right, and directly behind the car. Drivers should check their blind spots whenever they:

1. Overtake other vehicles
2. Make right or left turns
3. Change lanes
4. Pull into traffic

Some of the other ways one can prevent or avoid a motorcycle blind spot accident include the following:

Convex/Blind Spot Mirrors Convex mirrors offer better rear viewing, and riders can invest a small amount to replace standard side-view mirrors. This can turn out to be a lifesaver if it helps prevent or avoid even a single accident.

Adjustment and Positioning of Mirrors. It is important to adjust your rearview mirrors not just to see the edge of your vehicle, but so you can view your blind spot area or zone. You should preferably do so before starting to drive but if you must adjust as you drive, make sure you do so safely and not have that become a distraction itself.

Let a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help

If you have been injured in an accident because another driver was negligent, you want the Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys of Malman Law on your side to help you with your financial recovery. Please contact us now for a free consultation and case evaluation – we represent injured motorcyclists throughout the Chicagoland area.