Behaviours

Safety Tips Regarding Blind Spots

Blind spots are a great danger for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, because these areas of the road are outside the driver's field of vision. Here are some tips to better take them into account and avoid accidents.

Pedestrians and blind spots

  • Avoid being in a vehicle's blind spot, especially trucks and buses.
  • Make eye contact with the driver. Otherwise, assume the driver cannot see you.
  • Be alert at intersections, even when you have the right of way, e.g. on a green light or pedestrian crossing signal.
  • Pay attention to the turn signal lights used by vehicles at intersections.
  • Do not cross behind a vehicle as it could back up without noticing you.
  • Be visible: wear bright clothing, reflective strips, etc.
  • If you are trying to make your presence known, keep in mind that the driver cannot hear you.
  • Walk on the sidewalk, or, if there isn’t one, on the side of the road, facing traffic.

Cyclists and blind spots

  • Avoid being in a vehicle's blind spot, especially trucks and buses.
  • Make eye contact with the driver. Otherwise, assume the driver cannot see you.
  • Never pass on the right near an intersection.
  • Pay attention to the turn signal lights used by vehicles at intersections.
  • At intersections, come to a stop far ahead of or far behind a heavy vehicle, never beside it.
  • Be visible: wear bright clothing, reflective strips, etc.

Motorists, motorcyclists and blind spots

  • Avoid being in a heavy vehicle's blind spots.
  • Do not cut off a heavy vehicle: it would not have enough space to brake on time, and you would likely end up in its blind spot.
  • Never pass a heavy vehicle on the right at an intersection: the heavy vehicle may drift into the left lane to have more space to turn right.
  • Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the heavy vehicle in front of you: if you follow it too closely, the driver cannot see you.
  • Pay attention to the turn signal lights used by vehicles at intersections.

Heavy vehicle drivers

  • Be mindful of those around your vehicle, especially at urban intersections.
  • Watch and anticipate people's movements around your vehicle.
  • Do not assume that others can predict your manoeuvres.
  • Make sure your rearview mirrors are clear, in good condition and properly adjusted.
  • Keep your headlights on at all times.
  • Use your turn signal lights to clearly indicate your intentions.
  • Be careful when turning right at an intersection if your vehicle has to drift into the other lane or onto the shoulder to make the turn.
  • If your vehicle has an additional blind spot caused by auxiliary equipment, be sure to position this equipment so as to minimize the blind spot.

Last update: June  4, 2022