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Blind-spot Blunders

Do you think that truck driver in the next lane sees you?

Traffic is bumper to bumper on the freeway this afternoon, so you’re riding on full alert. You try to leave enough following distance to avoid running into the car ahead but not so much space as to encourage someone to jump into it. You can’t do much to avoid being hit from behind other than to drop back a little more and make sure you dab on the rear brake enough to light up your brake light. It’s frustrating and dangerous to be squeezed in between larger vehicles as traffic moves forward a few feet at a time and then stops. Finally, you see what the problem is: the right lane is closed ahead, and all those vehicles must merge into the left lane.

Most of the drivers are politely allowing alternate vehicles to merge, and you plan to do the same. But you’re now alongside four trucks, and one of the trucks ahead is already starting to wedge into the left lane. You ease into the left-wheel track to give yourself more space.

Suddenly, you realize the van next to you is moving over. You beep your horn, but the trucker just keeps coming, and you are forced over onto the narrow shoulder to avoid a collision. You accelerate up beside the cab, beeping your horn and waving a fist, and the driver finally sees you, but there is nothing he or she can do now, other than to allow you to merge in front of him or her.

Accept the fact that bikes are small and difficult to see in traffic, and even harder to see in a trucker’s mirrors. Riding at the left side of your lane alongside a truck puts you in the trucker’s blind spot. The trucker really couldn’t see you there. You should never “park” in the blind spot of another vehicle, especially not a truck. Consider moving up alongside the cab. Beep your horn and give the driver a “thumbs up” to announce your presence in a friendly manner. Or, drop back to make room for the truck and flash your headlight to signal the driver you are clear of the truck’s back end. The trucker will probably show appreciation by flashing the taillights as a “thank you.”