Blind spots are one of the most common and most dangerous hazards motorcyclists face on the road. Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles are smaller, narrower, and easier for drivers to overlook, especially in traffic. Many serious motorcycle accidents happen because a driver changes lanes or turns without seeing the rider beside them.
In Colorado Springs, where busy intersections, multilane roads, and highway traffic are part of daily driving, blind spot accidents are a constant risk. Even careful, experienced riders can find themselves in danger when other drivers fail to check mirrors or underestimate how quickly a motorcycle is approaching.
Every vehicle on the road has blind spots, but larger vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial vehicles have especially large areas that mirrors do not fully cover. These blind spots typically exist along both sides of the vehicle, just behind the driver’s field of vision.
Motorcyclists are often hidden in these areas, particularly when traveling alongside another vehicle at a steady speed. Knowing where blind spots are located helps riders make safer positioning choices and anticipate risky situations before they turn into collisions.
Lane positioning plays a major role in reducing blind spot risk. Riding directly beside another vehicle for extended periods increases the chance that a driver will change lanes without seeing you. Whenever possible, riders should adjust their position to remain either clearly ahead of or clearly behind nearby vehicles.
Changing speed slightly, either by easing off the throttle or accelerating when safe, can help you move out of a blind spot. Maintaining a position where you are visible in side mirrors gives drivers a better chance of noticing you.
Motorcyclists have flexibility within their lane that cars do not. Using this advantage wisely can improve visibility. Riding in the left or right portion of a lane, depending on traffic flow, can make you more noticeable in mirrors and reduce the likelihood of being hidden.
At intersections and in stop-and-go traffic, positioning yourself where drivers are most likely to look can help prevent sudden lane changes or turns across your path. Strategic lane placement is not about speed, but about being seen.
One of the most effective ways to avoid blind spot accidents is to assume that drivers may not see you. This mindset encourages defensive riding and keeps you alert to subtle cues that a driver may be preparing to move.
Signs such as drifting within a lane, wheels beginning to turn, or a driver frequently checking mirrors can indicate an impending lane change. Recognizing these warning signs early gives you time to adjust your position or prepare to react.
Making yourself more visible goes beyond lane positioning. Proper use of headlights, turn signals, and brake lights helps communicate your presence and intentions. Riding with headlights on during daylight hours can increase visibility, especially in busy traffic.
Visibility gear can also make a difference. Bright or reflective clothing, helmets, and motorcycle accents can help drivers notice you more quickly. While visibility gear does not eliminate blind spots, it can reduce the chances of being overlooked.
Certain driving situations increase blind spot risks for motorcyclists. Heavy traffic, merging lanes, construction zones, and highway on-ramps are all areas where drivers are focused on multiple directions at once.
Whenever possible, avoid lingering alongside vehicles in these environments. Passing decisively when safe, creating space around your motorcycle, and staying alert during merges can reduce the likelihood of a blind spot collision.
There are times when traffic conditions make it impossible to completely avoid blind spots. In these situations, maintaining extra space and being prepared to brake or maneuver is critical.
Covering the brakes, staying aware of escape routes, and avoiding distractions can help you react quickly if a driver suddenly moves into your lane. Defensive riding skills are often the last line of protection when visibility fails.
Even riders who follow best practices can still be injured in blind spot accidents. Drivers often claim they did not see the motorcycle, especially after lane change or left-turn collisions. These statements are common, but they do not excuse unsafe driving.
When a driver fails to check blind spots or yields improperly, they may be legally responsible for the resulting injuries. Understanding your rights after an accident is just as important as knowing how to reduce risk beforehand.
Blind spot motorcycle accidents often involve disputes over fault. Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame onto the rider by arguing speed, positioning, or visibility. These arguments can be misleading and unfair, especially when a driver failed to look before moving.
Pribila & Fields represent injured riders in Colorado Springs and understand how blind spot accidents occur. Our motorcycle accident attorneys work to hold negligent drivers accountable and challenge insurance tactics that unfairly blame motorcyclists.
Reducing blind spot risk starts with awareness, positioning, and defensive riding habits. While these steps can lower the chance of an accident, they cannot control the actions of other drivers.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a driver who failed to see you, legal guidance can help protect your rights. Contact us to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you pursue compensation and accountability after a serious motorcycle crash.
Pribila and Fields, P.C. has successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases and tried scores of cases where an insurance carrier refused to pay fair compensation for injuries, losses or damages.
18 E. Monument Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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Phone: (719) 888-3720
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