Blind spots
A driver may simply not see a motorcycle in a blind spot. Avoid lingering there.
What happens
Even with properly adjusted mirrors, a car has blind spots where a motorcycle can easily disappear from view. These areas are much larger around trucks.
Do not linger alongside
The longer you ride side by side, the longer you depend on the driver noticing you. If they start changing lanes, you have less time and room to move away.
Check whether you can see the driver
If you cannot see the driver's face in their side mirror from your position, do not count on them seeing you. This is not a precise test, but it is a good reason not to linger and to change your position.
Passing through a blind spot
Stay behind with a gap until there is space ahead of the car. Once you start passing, move through its blind spot without lingering. Complete the pass rather than matching its speed alongside.
A passenger car
- the rear quarter of the vehicle
- the area between the mirror's field of view and the driver's direct sideways view
- areas hidden by pillars and the vehicle body
A truck
The danger area extends along the truck's length and beside its cab. Do not assume the driver can see your motorcycle simply because you can see their mirror.
A large vehicle also blocks your view
A tractor-trailer, bus, or van blocks your view of the road ahead and part of the next lane. When choosing a position near a large vehicle, consider how well you can see the road yourself.
Clues to a lane change
Watch the angle of the front wheels and the car's gradual movement toward the next lane. Also notice empty space in that lane: the driver may start changing lanes into it.
When you are alongside
Let the car move ahead or finish passing it. While you remain beside it, you have little maneuvering room if it suddenly changes lanes.
An escape route
Before passing, make sure you could move sideways or quickly move ahead and out of the car's blind spot if it moved toward you unexpectedly. If neither option is available, it is better to stay behind.
Space ahead of the car
Before passing, check that there is space ahead of the car. If traffic prevents you from completing the pass, you could become trapped alongside. In that case, stay behind with a gap.
A common mistake
Do not remain alongside a car just because the driver seems to have noticed you. Minimize your time in that position and keep watching the car's movement.