Behaviours

Blind Spots and Unsafe Practices

Many accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists occur at intersections. Front and right side vehicle blind spots are often the cause.

Risks at intersections

Crossing when a heavy vehicle is turning right

This move is dangerous because drivers cannot see pedestrians or cyclists in their right side blind spot.

The same goes for motorists and motorcyclists

When a heavy vehicle drifts into the left lane because it requires more space to turn right, you must not try to pass it on the right. Due to the vehicle's right side blind spot, the driver cannot see you.

Crossing in front of a heavy vehicle

Another common type of accident happens when a pedestrian or cyclist crosses in front of a heavy vehicle when it is about to start moving again.

This move is dangerous because the vehicle’s front blind spot may be so large that a pedestrian or cyclist could be in front of the vehicle without being seen by the driver.

For more information, consult the Safety Tips Regarding Blind Spots section.

Risks on the road

Adopting safe behaviours is essential to ensure everyone's safety when you share the road with heavy vehicles.

• Avoid being in a heavy vehicle’s blind spots.
• Do not cut off a heavy vehicle. The heavy vehicle would not have enough space to brake on time, and you would likely end up in its blind spot.
• Do not 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: once again, you are in the vehicle's rear blind spot.

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Last update: June  4, 2022