Many West Virginia residents enjoy the sense of adventure achieved by riding a motorcycle. If you are one of them, it’s important to be aware of blind spots so you can prevent a potential accident.
What are blind spots?
Blind spots are areas around vehicles that make it difficult or impossible for drivers to see. While all vehicles of all sizes have blind spots, larger vehicles have more. The spots are also larger, which can increase the risk of a serious motorcycle accident if you’re sharing the road with such a huge vehicle and pass in front of it or switch lanes when the driver can’t see you.
As a general rule of thumb, if you cannot see the driver’s face in your mirror, they can’t see you either.
How can you avoid a blind spot accident?
While you can’t control what drivers of other vehicles do, you can be smart and stay safer by remaining cautious at all times while riding. This can help you avoid blind spots and getting into a serious motorcycle accident. Avoid riding in the blind spots of other vehicles. This means you should ride behind or in front of vehicles and never just to the side of them.
Always use defensive driving when riding your motorcycle. Give at least 20 feet of space between you and the vehicle ahead and behind and anticipate potential danger at all times so that it’s easier to react within an adequate amount of time.
Wear bright, reflective clothing that helps you to be seen by drivers. This is especially important if you’re riding after dark. Use your headlights as well even in the daytime.
If you have to pass a vehicle, do it quickly to avoid being in its blind spot for any length of time.
Being smart while riding a motorcycle can keep you safer and help to avoid accidents.
