Blind spots are a well-known hazard, but they can be especially dangerous for drivers of large vehicles and those sharing the road with them. Hidden areas where visibility is obstructed can lead to serious collisions if drivers aren’t vigilant. Advancements in vehicle technology, including Motive’s AI Omnicam, can reduce these risks.

Vehicle-created blind spots

Blind spots are areas around a vehicle that the driver cannot see, even with the help of mirrors. In passenger vehicles, blind spots typically occur to the side and rear of the vehicle. For larger vehicles, like trucks and buses, blind spots are more extensive. They can include areas behind or in front of the vehicle, or to the sides..

The larger the vehicle, the bigger the blind spots. For instance, a commercial motor vehicle has significant blind spots known as “no-zones,” which can hide entire vehicles from the driver’s view. These no-zones include:

  • The area extending several car lengths behind the truck.
  • A substantial blind spot in front of large trucks, often due to the vehicle’s height and the driver’s position. Blind spots like these are especially prevalent on long-nosed hoods, making it difficult for drivers to see the smaller vehicles in front of them.
  • The truck’s sides, especially on the right side.

Natural human blind spots

In addition to vehicle-created blind spots, drivers must be aware of natural human blind spots, known as scotomas. These are areas where the eye’s optic nerve passes through the retina, creating a small area in our vision where no image is detected. Although our brains typically compensate for this by filling in the missing information, it’s still a potential risk factor, especially when combined with other blind spots.

The importance of vigilance and mirror checks

To mitigate blind spot dangers, drivers should remain vigilant and check their mirrors regularly. This practice is particularly critical when merging or changing lanes. By following the best practices below, drivers can ensure their surroundings are clear.

  • Before any lane change or merge, check all mirrors thoroughly to ensure vehicles aren’t in your blind spots.
  • Keep monitoring mirrors during the entire lane change or merge, not just before it starts. This helps ensure that a vehicle won’t suddenly appear in your blind spot in the middle of your maneuver.
  • Continuously scan the road to know which vehicles are around you. If a once-visible vehicle is no longer in sight, assume it could be in your blind spot and take extra precautions.

Motive’s AI Omnicam is a powerful tool in combating the risks associated with blind spots and can give additional insights when the vehicle makes an unsafe lane change, as the side cameras footage is also automatically available for coaching on that Unsafe Lane Change event.

Safer driving with blind spot detection

Many modern vehicles are now equipped with advanced technologies, such as blind spot monitoring systems, lane departure warnings, and rearview cameras. These systems provide audible or visual alerts when another vehicle enters a blind spot, helping drivers avoid potential collisions.

  • Blind spot monitoring uses sensors to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes that may not be visible in the mirrors. It alerts the driver with a light or sound, indicating it’s unsafe to change lanes.
  • A lane departure warning warns drivers when they unintentionally drift out of their lane, often due to failing to check a blind spot before changing lanes.

Blind spots, whether created by vehicles or natural human scotomas, are a risk factor for all drivers, particularly those operating large vehicles. These risks can be greatly reduced through AI dash cams, 360-degree cameras, and vigilant driving practices.

Regular mirror checks, continuous awareness of your surroundings, and modern vehicle safety features contribute to safer driving and fewer accidents on the road. By integrating these practices and technologies, fleets can enhance safety and protect drivers from blind spots.

Don’t let blind spots put your team at risk

Equip your vehicles with the Motive AI Omnicam to ensure full visibility and safer driving.