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Every year there are approximately 840,000 blind-spot accidents in the United States. This equates to 20 percent of all accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Blind-spot accidents can happen to drivers in all types of vehicles resulting in minimal to catastrophic injuries. When motorcycles are involved in blind-spot accidents, they are particularly vulnerable, especially when the other vehicle is a car, SUV, or large truck.

Lifewire says, “every part of a car that is not glass can create a blind spot. This means that vehicles with larger window pillars have larger blind sports, vehicles with small rearview windows have larger blind spots, and both cargo and passengers can also create additional blind spots.”

Technology changes in newer vehicles, such as blind-spot monitoring systems, have helped ameliorate some of the blind-spot problems. However, many vehicles on the roads today are older vehicles which are not equipped with blind-spot monitoring.

Drivers still need to be the first line of defense against blind-spot accidents by always driving undistracted and anticipating blind-spot traffic before making lane changes. 

The NHTSA recommends drivers always check their blind spots. “Roughly 40 percent of a vehicle’s outer perimeter is hidden by blind spots. Be sure to properly adjust and use your side mirrors to better see motorcycles. They’re obviously smaller than vehicles and harder to spot.”

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommends adjusting mirrors outward so drivers can see the area in the “danger zone” to the left and right of the driver’s vehicle rear quarters.

“All vehicle drivers need to be constantly aware of motorcyclists and other vehicles when driving. Here are some further tips for driving safely on our roadways and avoiding blind-spot accidents,” said Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Tips from the Experts

• Adjusting mirrors – Rear mirrors should see directly behind the vehicle, and side mirrors need to show none of the side of the vehicle, only the road behind it, according to Car and Driver
• Know the blind spots – Every vehicle has some blind spots. Before driving away, know where these blind spots are.
• Know a vehicle’s blind-spot detection systems –Some vehicles have new blind-spot technology, or after-market-installed systems. Before accelerating, know how the systems work.
• Drive undistracted and with awareness of other vehicles – Should a vehicle suddenly disappear, it is probably in the blind spot.
• Warning signs for truck trailers– There are “no-zone” signs which can be affixed to trailers to warn others of blind-spots.
• Signal when changing lanes and move slowly – Signal before moving to change lanes, not as you are moving, and change lanes slowly.
• Double check before moving– Before moving, double check and look over your shoulder before making a lane change.

“If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, after seeking medical attention, please contact our legal team. We are available to assist you 24/7,” said Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.