A blind spot is the area around a vehicle where the driver can’t see. This is very dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians, and it can also be dangerous for other vehicles that are sharing the road. If a vehicle has large enough blind spots, the driver may be entirely unaware that a motorcycle or a convertible is anywhere near them.
Blind spots are also incredibly dangerous for pedestrians who are in the crosswalk. These pedestrians have the right of way, so they know that they can legally cross the road. But a driver who is turning and doesn’t see them could cause a fatal accident without even realizing that they’re making such a critical driving mistake.
Blind spots on semi-trucks
One example is that semi-trucks have blind spots in front, behind, and on both sides of the vehicle. Drivers should pass these trucks as quickly as possible, rather than lingering in the blind spots. Many accidents happen on the interstate when a driver doesn’t know that there is a smaller vehicle next to them and tries to change lanes or merge.
Blind spots on passenger vehicles
But it’s not just commercial vehicles that are a problem. In many ways, oversized pick-up trucks and SUVs are even more dangerous. For instance, one study had a woman who drove a Cadillac Escalade sit in her vehicle while children sat down on the ground in front of it. She could not see them at all, even when there were 12 children in a single-file line in front of the vehicle. This demonstrates exactly why a lot of children get hit in crosswalks and parking lots.
Dangerous vehicle designs put everyone at risk. Those who have been injured need to know how to seek financial compensation.
