Blindspots.

[st3v3]

Ok, I'm pretty damn bored couldn't see another thread although it was mentioned, and may help new members/riders at some point.

Cars, vans, buses and even bikes have blind spots. Best thing to do not to get involved with them is to be aware of the places you won't be seen and stay away, unless you have an abnormal tendency to like pain, a quick fright/thrill and hospital food.(along with a mashed bike) Best way to be noticed, if even for a mere split second is make eye contact with the driver where possible(hardly, then), most people only glance at things for a 1/10 of a second and then forget anything not important to them, including you.

Make an example with buses, being quite big, long things and not to be argued with, drivers generally believe they own the road but being small and singular we can't really argue. Blinds spots are generally just to the rear of the doors at the front people use to get on, about a bike's width away from the bus(as with most things).

https://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-12/3839/pages/Ch11-Tutorial-2_clip_image002_0000.gif

Of course, the rear can often be blocked just by moving passengers, not that many bikes can see or are tall enough to be seen through it anyway.
Similar vehicles will have similar points, so no need to type 'em all out.

Rest are similar but you'd be surprised how far back the area goes, and I think the following pics nabbed off Google will show pretty much everything in general.

People are welcome to add stuff(even constructive criticism) or the thread will die and be done with.

Truck:*ahem, posted as LHS due to foreign trucks driving around here*
https://www.worcadvmot10.fsnet.co.uk/54_blindspot.jpg

Lorry:
https://www.motorcyclebasics.com/blind22.gif

Average family saloon(drawn as a Volvo, nice.):
https://blog.wired.com/cars/images/2007/11/07/3568_2_1.jpg

Another, both sides:
https://germancarscene.com/wp-content/uploads/merc-28-09-07.jpg

Little different:
https://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~gdguo/driving/blindspot_files/image001.gif

Bike(should know this, really):
https://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:UsJ0GjgAmxCEyM:https://www.industryresearch.com.au/motorcycle/Swann%2520Insurance%2520Motorcycle%2520of%2520the%2520Future/15%2520Swann%2520Dynamic%2520Control%2520blindspot%2520warning.jpg

Trucks also need to swing out to the opposite direction they are turning to be able to swing in, only thing you'll achieve by getting on their 'inside' is being squashed, unless they see you but this is unlikely and it's not surprising, you should have contemplated this before making the move. If you do this, hit the brakes, try going backwards before the inevitable crunch.

If you don't get in a position to be whacked, simply have a lil patience and after a few seconds it will be round where it wants and out of your way. Don't go he long way round it prematurely as some numpty may come the other way and won't know your there....

American pic again, (but you get the jist):
https://mobikefed.org/files/truck-blind-spot-bw.png

[kitty kat]

I always follow the rule, if you cant see the mirrors of the vehicle in front, then you cant be seen.
To make myself more visible I also move about in the lane, so if you end up in a blind spot you are not in it for long.
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Enjoy everyday, tell those you love everyday you love them
Life is too short to fall out with people

[KTM Gordo]

I notice that it's a left-hand drive bus - reverse the picture for the UK.

Something that I discovered last weekend when I test-drove a car is that the A pillars (the front ones) are getting thicker. In the SEAT Althea, I felt I was always looking around it to see what was going on. This is a knock-on effect from the Euro-NCAP tests, because a stronger A pillar makes a big difference - but a stronger pillar is a thicker one, and the blind-spot behind it is bigger too.

Also, this trend for tinted back windows makes it harder to see when you look over your shoulder before changing lane. Not that most non-biker drivers would know what a life-saver is - I always do them in the car: old habits and all that...!
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Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.

KTM 990 Adventure | KTM EXC 250 Racing | Land Rover Freelander SE Td4

[KTM Gordo]

____________________
Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.

KTM 990 Adventure | KTM EXC 250 Racing | Land Rover Freelander SE Td4

[iooi]

Even in a car the MSM routine should always include a glance over the shoulder to clear the blind spot. At least that is what you were taught years ago.

I go with KK and the if you can't see the mirrors then they sure as hell can't see you, and take it one step further if you can't see their eye's and don't expect to make eye contact. That is never happening, all they are doing is seeing you.

Always remember any large vehicle when turning will always move out to the opposite side before turning. So if they are turning right, be prepared for them to move to the left first before swinging right.
Never place your self between them and a roundabout, many arctics can't swing round in the single lanes.... Seen many a car do this and end up standing on the brakes as they get squesed....
Even better advice is never put yourself in a position were you do not have a escape route.
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[Itchy]

No no no no NO,

This picture reflects reality a bit better,

The blue bit is the blind spot,

The top picture is normal driving,

The bottom picture is a typical manchester commute run, and it is the default bikers survival assumption that nobody is looking.

https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2346/2392411041_77b1a93c26_o.jpg
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[Kay-J]

I always make the assumption that they can't see me unless they make clear acknowledgement of my presence on the road, which is usually some wanker trying to overtake me.
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like a true natures child....

[kitty kat]

pmsl @ Itchy

sad to say it is true though
____________________
Enjoy everyday, tell those you love everyday you love them
Life is too short to fall out with people

[st3v3]

[Pete.]

[KTM Gordo]

Something else to bear in mind is that there are a lot of left-hand drive trucks coming over to the UK these days - and their blind spots are the reverse (actually, the same as the ones Steve originally posted).

There was a programme on ITV1 last week about the accidents they have because of the poor visibility to the off-side.

What this means is that if you've got a vehicle on non-UK or IRL plates then take extra care - give them plenty of room, and don't loiter alongside them.

Good thread this
____________________
Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.

KTM 990 Adventure | KTM EXC 250 Racing | Land Rover Freelander SE Td4

[Pete.]

[st3v3]

Sounds nasty, were they ok?

Need more think Bike Ads but with info like this methinks.....

[bigjim]

You run the Mancunian Way gauntlet too

[McGee]

Dress like this:

https://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5015/stevenb4.jpg

Problem solved.
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Its pronounced Jixxer!

[deanoet]

Apart from in slow moving traffic there is no reason to be next to somebody for any length of time, and you "should" be aware of what is around you for an escape route if the car / van / bike / tosser does move into your lane.
I always hover my thumb on the horn when overtaking anyone on the motorway / dual carraigeway


If you cant see the drivers eyes they have no chance of seeing you, so dont ride / drive there
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[st3v3]

Doesn't matter how good a rider you are, you can never compensate for the other muppet on the road that doesn't see you. Less chance of that if you know where not to be.

[Pete.]

[deanoet]

On a bike always ride with them on TBH

All new bikes u cant turn them off, just pick between dipped and full beam.


Also a good tip is that in low sunlight if it is behind you, the oncoming cars are looking straight at it so will have a much reduced view, especially if the road is wet
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[st3v3]

Maybe in that case I'd rather have my light off.

Surely more chance of seeing a red bike coming at you than another light, when you already have the sun near glaring you out.

[stinkwheel]

[stinkwheel]