When driving, walking or biking, a blindspot can be a very dangerous place to be. Once you get into any of a vehicle’s blindspots, there is a good chance the driver can not see you. Drivers, pedestrians and bikers all have their own unique concerns with blindspots. Therefore, it really helps to know how to handle being in a blindspot.
How-to Deal With a Vehicle’s Blindspots: Accident Prevention
Semi-Trucks
Large vehicles, like semi-trucks, have very big blindspots. Be very mindful that a truck is not able to see about 30 feet behind the trailer. A good rule of thumb is that if you can not see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can not see you. Other areas of a truck to keep in mind are the left and right sides, under the cab mirror. Another spot that is difficult for a driver to see is at least 20 feet in front of a truck cab. If you happen to be driving in one of a large vehicle’s blindspots, safely move from there as quickly as possible.
Bikers and Pedestrian Safety
Bikers and pedestrians can end up in a vehicle’s blindspots very easily because people and bikes are small compared to cars. Do not cross behind a car when it is backing up, as they may not see you. Be mindful that there are blindspots present on both the left and right sides of cars. One step to help minimize the risk is to wear bright colors and do your best to be seen.
Bikers should try and avoid zipping in and our of cars on the road. This is because they could easily end up in a blindspot and get hit. Follow the road rules and be careful where you end up.
Helpful Tools and Technology
Nowadays, there are many devices that can help with blindspots. A backup camera is a great way to be able to monitor and see what is behind you. Even if your car does not come with one of these, you can easily have an aftermarket system installed. Additionally, many cars come with blindspot monitoring systems. These usually make a sound or flash a light to indicate another car is in your blindspot, especially if you have your turn signal on. Some cars even come with camera systems that show the blindspot area on a screen when you are trying to change lanes.
If you do not want all of the technology, or your car does not come with those features, there are other options. An easy, affordable alternative is a blind spot mirror. You can find stick-on blindspot mirrors that easily attach to your existing side mirrors. These give you a much broader view of the side and rear of your car.