Bicycling is an efficient, eco-friendly, and healthy mode of transportation used by many. However, riding a bike comes with a number of risks when it comes to safety and sharing the road with other motorists. One of the most significant risks cyclists face is the danger of vehicle blind spots. Understanding what blind spots are and how they can threaten the safety of bike riders is important in preventing accidents.
What are Blind Spots?
Blind spots are the areas around a vehicle where drivers have limited or no visibility. Even with the use of mirrors, you will not be able to see a bicyclist who is riding in these areas. These blind spots are found on the sides, directly behind, and near the rear corners of vehicles. For bicyclists, riding around vehicles becomes risky when they unknowingly enter blind spots, especially when the vehicles are about to turn or change lanes.
The Increased Risk of Riding Next to Trucks
All types of motor vehicles have blind spots, but trucks have larger-than-average blind spots due to their size and length. These blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” extend around the whole perimeter of a truck, including directly in front of the truck. The blind spot of a truck that is the most dangerous is on the right side of the truck since it extends from the front of the truck to the rear and three lanes over.
If a truck is making a right turn, this puts bicyclists at a great risk of being hit and injured. If you have been injured in a bicycling accident, contact a San Antonio bicycle accident attorney who can help guide you through the legal process and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for damages.
How To Enhance Your Safety as a Bicyclist
To stay safe while cycling near motor vehicles, there are some important things you can do to help increase your visibility, avoid blind spots, and decrease your chances of being injured in an accident. Here are some important safety measures that can be taken:
• Wear Reflective Gear: Remaining visible is crucial as a bicyclist. To help increase your visibility, it is recommended that you wear reflective gear such as a vest and jacket, as well as use reflective tape on your bike to help draw attention to you and your bicycle. This is particularly important during low-light and foggy conditions.
• Use Lights: Another thing that you should do to increase your visibility is to use the front and rear lights on your bike. You can also get a light on your helmet to ensure that you are seen from all angles.
• Use Bike Lanes: Whenever possible, you must ride in the designated bike lanes. This is the safest area for bicyclists to drive and many states have laws requiring cyclists to only ride in these lanes.
• Do Not Assume Drivers Can See You: The last important thing to keep in mind while riding a bicyclist is just because you see another driver or vehicle does not mean that they see you as well. Therefore, you must drive defensively and cautiously, make eye contact before passing a vehicle, if possible, and try avoiding riding in blind spots at all costs.
