Driver Blind Spots A Common Factor In Car Accidents

Whether you are driving, riding a bike, or walking, you need to pay close attention to others on the road. Most vehicles have large blind spots where others disappear from view. Not being aware of these increases your risk of being involved in a crash resulting in serious personal injuries. In fact, driver blind spots are a common factor in car accidents.

Know Where The Blind Spots Are On Your Vehicle

Blind spots are areas surrounding your vehicle which are not easily viewed by the driver, either directly or by checking rear view mirrors. The exact size and location of blind spots on your car will depend on the design and make.

Smaller cars generally have correspondingly smaller blind spots. These are likely to extend one or two feet out from the front and back bumpers and align with rear passenger windows alongside the vehicle. SUVs, Jeeps, and pickup trucks have larger blind spots that often extend several feet in front of and behind the vehicle and over multiple lanes of traffic alongside.

Blind spot-related accidents often happen while attempting to switch lanes or make turns. They are also common when pulling into or out of parking spaces. According to Consumer Reports, blind spots are the leading cause of backover accidents, in which children are particularly vulnerable. Even if your car has a blind spot detection warning system, it’s important to double check before making a move:

● When pulling in or out of spaces: Go slow and be alert for anyone in the immediate vicinity.

● When making turns: Slow down on your approach, use your turn signal to indicate, and look over your shoulder to ensure there are no bicyclists or pedestrians alongside you.

● When switching lanes on major roads: Do not rely on rear view mirrors. In addition to not showing blind spots, they also tend to distort the distance other drivers are from you. Again, use indicator lights and look over your shoulder before attempting to switch lanes.

Staying Out Of Other Driver’s Blind Spots

In addition to being aware of your own blind spots, it’s important to be aware of those on other vehicles:

· When driving, avoid traveling directly alongside others, where they are less likely to see you.

· When riding a bike or walking, be particularly careful at intersections and side streets where drivers may be making turns.

· When sharing the road with a truck, be aware they have even larger blind spots. Also known as “no zones,” the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) advises allowing a full car’s length between you when driving in front of or behind a trucker. You should also avoid driving directly alongside, even if you are several lanes away.

In general, if you cannot see the driver in the cab, they likely cannot see you.

Request A Consultation With Our Aiken Car Accident Attorney

Driver blind spots are a common factor in car accidents. When blind spot-related car accidents or other types of crashes happen, the Surasky Law Firm is here to guide you in filing a claim. To request a consultation, contact our Aiken car accident attorney online today.