According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, widespread implementation of blind spot monitoring systems in 2015 could have prevented 50,000 car accidents and over 15,000 injuries. The problem is that not every vehicle in Missouri is equipped with this technology, and blind spots continue to cause severe crashes throughout the state. However, drivers operating even the oldest vehicles can still safely address blind spots with strategies like shoulder-checking and proper mirror adjustment. While some blind-spot accidents may cause only minor injuries, others could prove life-altering. Victims may have the option to explore potential injury lawsuits with experienced auto accident attorneys in Missouri. To learn more, consider contacting Steelman Gaunt Crowley at (573) 341-8336.
Backover Crashes Are Often Caused by Blind Spots
A backover crash involves a vehicle reversing into an object or person. These accidents often occur at relatively low speeds, but they are still capable of causing significant damage and injuries. Drivers frequently cause backover crashes due to blind spots, and visibility is usually limited while reversing. New innovations like backup cameras can mitigate some of these hazards, but drivers often become overly reliant on this technology. Even with a backup camera equipped, it still makes sense to shoulder-check, look at mirrors, and scan all surroundings properly.
Backover crashes often occur in parking lots. They may also occur in private driveways and other residential areas. In all of these situations, pedestrians are particularly at risk. A backover accident may only cause minor damage to a vehicle, but it can be fatal for a pedestrian. Particularly vulnerable individuals include seniors, children, and cyclists. If a driver reverses suddenly without scanning their mirrors, checking their backup camera, or shoulder-checking, they may be liable for resulting injuries.
Semi-Trucks Have Considerable Blind Spots
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety states that semi-trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles have considerable blind spots. Truckers have to contend with much less visibility than average drivers, and a typical semi-truck has blind spots on all four sides. Because a truck driver is elevated higher off the ground, they cannot see directly underneath their front hood. This creates a blind spot that can hide cyclists, children, seniors, and other pedestrians. These individuals may be particularly at risk at intersections, as truckers may not see them crossing directly in front of their hoods.
Semi-trucks also have considerable blind spots on both sides and at their rear. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety warns drivers to stay out of these blind spots if possible. This means that passing a truck as quickly as possible is often the safest option, and drivers should avoid staying close to the rear or the sides of these vehicles. Tailgating is also ill-advised, as a trucker cannot follow directly behind their trailer. That said, truckers are still responsible for checking their blind spots. Even if their mirrors do not cover these areas, they can still shoulder-check for hazards. Distracted truckers may fail to check their blind spots or mirrors, making blind spots more dangerous.
Lane Change Accidents Are Often Caused by Blind Spots
Blind spots can cause significant hazards for drivers changing lanes. If a motorist plans to switch lanes, they must follow a very specific procedure. First, they must check their mirrors to make sure no one else is in the target lane. Next, they need to signal to let other motorists know what they are about to do. The last step before maneuvering is shoulder-checking, and this helps drivers detect any vehicles in their blind spots. If a driver switches lanes without shoulder-checking, there is always a chance that they may collide with a vehicle in their blind spot.
Drivers should be particularly wary of vehicles directly beside them and slightly behind. The inside mirror detects most vehicles to the rear, while the outside mirrors show most vehicles in adjacent lanes. Once a vehicle in another lane approaches close enough, however, they fall into a blind spot that neither mirror covers. This is why shoulder-checking is so important before changing lanes. Drivers should avoid remaining in blind spots, either by slowing down slightly or speeding up to pass completely. That said, the driver switching lanes is responsible for avoiding collisions. Lane-change accidents can be catastrophic at high speeds, and blind spots can be dangerous when merging onto highways.
Blind Spots Are Particularly Dangerous for Motorcyclists and Cyclists
Certain road users are particularly vulnerable to blind spot crashes. Motorcyclists often fall into blind spots because of their small size. Even if a driver shoulder checks before turning or switching lanes, they might not see a motorcyclist stuck in their blind spot. Experienced riders are very wary of the threat posed by blind spots, and they do their best to stay out of these areas. In addition, the loudness of motorcycle engines makes drivers aware of these smaller vehicles – even if they cannot see them. If a blind spot leads to a motorcycle crash, catastrophic injuries often follow. This is especially true on highways after high-speed collisions.
Cyclists are also vulnerable to blind spot crashes, although these accidents tend to occur in residential or rural areas rather than on highways. A driver should always check their blind spots before turning right, as cyclists often fall into blind spots during these maneuvers. To avoid this type of collision, drivers should shoulder-check and pull as close to the curb as possible before making right-hand turns.
FAQ:
1. What is a blind spot?
A blind spot is an area around a vehicle that cannot be seen by the driver using standard mirrors. This includes areas directly behind, beside, or in front of a vehicle where visibility is limited.
2. Do blind spots only affect large vehicles like trucks and buses?
No. While large vehicles have bigger blind spots due to their size, all vehicles—including standard passenger cars—have blind spots that can hide other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
3. How can blind spots cause accidents?
Accidents often occur during lane changes, merging, or reversing. Drivers may fail to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists hidden in these blind zones, resulting in collisions.
4. Can technology eliminate blind spot risks?
While technologies like blind-spot monitors and backup cameras help, they cannot replace manual checks. Drivers should always use mirrors and perform shoulder checks to ensure no one is in their blind spot.
5. Who is most at risk from blind spot accidents?
Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists—are at higher risk because their smaller size makes them easier to miss in blind spots.
Discuss Options With Steelman Gaunt Crowley After an Accident
Visibility is key when driving in Missouri, and anything that prevents a driver from seeing their surroundings is dangerous. This includes not only blind spots, but also distractions, adverse weather, malfunctioning headlights, and much more. While blind spot accidents may seem unavoidable and “faultless,” injured victims should still consider their legal options. The root cause of a blind spot crash may be negligence, and it could be possible to hold reckless drivers accountable for failing in their duty of care. To address the hazard of blind spots, drivers should shoulder-check and scan their mirrors. Failure to carry out these basic tasks could lead to a lawsuit, allowing victims to recover compensation for medical expenses, missed earnings, and other damages. An auto accident lawyer in Missouri could help. To explore this concept in greater detail, consider contacting Steelman Gaunt Crowley at (573) 341-8336.