Florida motorcyclists are much more exposed to the elements and potential accidents than the typical motorist. Motorcycles lack seatbelts and a protective steel frame and are small enough to fit entirely into a car or truck’s blind spot. When a motorcycle rides in another vehicle’s blind spot, the other driver can miss them completely when they turn or change lanes, causing severe and often fatal injuries. Fortunately, there are several steps a biker can take to avoid ending up in another vehicle’s blind spot.
If you have been injured in a Florida motorcycle accident, you deserve compensation for the full extent of your injuries and other losses. At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, our attorneys understand the unique challenges of recovering from a motorcycle accident. They are ready to apply our 100 years of combined experience and skills to your case. We know the ins and outs of Florida personal injury law and will use our knowledge and skills to fight for you.
How to Keep Clear of Other Driver’s Blind Spots
Blind spots can be exceedingly dangerous for motorcyclists, making avoiding them essential for accident prevention. Below are five ways you can avoid another driver’s blindspots on Florida’s roads and highways:
Know How to Identify a Vehicle’s Blind Spot
Regardless of the vehicle’s size, many share common blind spots, including the following:
- Any part of the vehicle that can be seen when the driver looks through their mirrors
- The space between the rearview mirror and what the driver sees when facing forward
- The gap between the vehicle in front of you and alongside you
Keeping these potential blind spots in mind can help you safely avoid them.
Avoid Riding Side-by-Side
The best way to avoid a blind spot accident is to stay clear of other vehicles’ blindspots altogether. Try to ride either in front of or behind other cars whenever possible. Maintaining a safe following distance is also helpful so you have time to react if a car or truck pulls up next to you.
Engage in Defensive Driving
Motorcyclists must be even more vigilant than other drivers on the road. Pay close attention to your surroundings and other drivers’ behavior to predict when negligence may occur. If a driver seems to be acting erratically, give them a wide berth and pass them as soon as it is safe.
Make Yourself as Visible as Possible
Before pulling out of your driveway, don reflective clothing and ensure your headlights are on, even during the day. The more visible you make yourself, the harder it will be for drivers to miss you and cause an accident.
Pass Other Vehicles Quickly
The quicker you pass another vehicle, the less time you spend in their blind spot. While this does not mean you should disregard the speed limit or road conditions, passing as quickly as you safely can decrease the likelihood of a blind spot accident.
Consult With a Highly-Qualified Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis
After being injured in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to act quickly to pursue the justice you deserve. The skilled attorneys at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis have over a century of combined experience helping motorcycle accident victims in Florida collect essential evidence and recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and other losses. When you retain our services, you can trust us to fight aggressively for your rights, interests, and the total value of your claim.
To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you, call us at (407) 843-7060 or complete our contact form today.
