The #1 Overlooked Motorcycle Hazard That Every Rider Needs to Know ASAP

[@MCrider]

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[@RailroadGuy49]

I have mentioned this before. I believe this is why so many people say “the other vehicle came out of nowhere”.

[@lacrossev]

Agreed, after getting my first bike a few years ago and riding it every day for a week, getting in to my car to commute I realized how intrusive the A-pillars can be. I never thought too much of them before I started riding but the difference between a helmet with no obstructions and a car are night and day. Whenever people ask if my vision is less with a helmet on, I tell them to pay attention to their A-pillar while they drive and notice how much of the road gets blocked in it.

[@DeiselDemon]

There's also the mental blind spot, you expect to see cars but completely block out the 18 wheeler.... happened to me many many times (I drive truck....)

[@Chopbreaka]

I was hit by a car feb 2 . Car ahead of me put right blinker on to enter strip mall lot , i switched over to inside lane to go around. 20 yr old Kid hit gas and came flying out of lot from a parking spot he was in just feet from street to make a left and beat oncoming traffic going other way . As i was laying in the street i could hear the kid saying person in car making turn into lot waved him on through to make left and that he didn't see me . I'm very lucky . Worse injury is fully torn rotator cuff left shoulder, go under knife next week. Right shin and foot banged up and sprained with some stitches sprinkled in but that will heal up . Ribs feel like Tyson worked me over lol and are taking long time to heal for this 54 year old . Crash bar on my 850lb Indian which was twisted like a pretzel saved my right leg . Your videos have made me a better safer rider and keep me evaluating and critical of my riding . It's easy to blame the 20yr old speeding out to make a careless left over double yellow line ( nyc ) but I'm more concerned on how i could have better reacted by emergency braking which is what I did or hit throttle or something else . I'm alive and will heal , i have health insurance and my bike was totaled and covered by insurance so i'm extremely grateful. I've been riding since I'm a kid and can't wait to ride again. Through this experience and your videos i'll come back a better safer rider. Ride safe and smart sisters and brothers ..

[@csolivais1979]

Chopbreaka, hope you have a fast recovery!

[@orbitalair2103]

Hope you get better soon! Yes those situations are very dangerous, people jump out into traffic without really looking.

[@Brooklyn_Powers]

Chopbreaka This is both the fault of the guy making the right and the kid making the left: He should have never waved him through and the kid shouldn’t have trusted him. Unless you have cleared your direction of travel visually with your own eyes, then it is safe to go: If you haven’t, than it isn’t. Never ever rely on anyone to be your eyes when it comes to a situation where your life depends on it. I hope you have a speedy recovery: Be safe!

[@norsefalconer]

Hope you heal quickly and fully!

[@richardmourdock2719]

Chopbreaka, I just finished a thousand miles in sunny southwest Texas last week and was about to add a comment that I found myself incorporating some of Kevin's winter suggestions in my riding. But your comment made me aware that I was fortunate my path was not interrupted by a "twenty-year-old kid" despite my best riding techniques and strategies. Hope you have speedy, complete and absolute healing and keep reminding others who ride of your story and its lessons.

[@nickmiracle2317]

I taught my sons that if you don’t see their face get ready. After a conversation with a friend I’ve changed that to looking at their front tire, if it’s rolling get ready. Just because you see their face doesn’t mean they see you.

[@pauldavison2116]

Yup those tires tell you a lot.

[@The333]

This is the technique I have been trying to use. Front wheel movement is a dead giveaway every time for distracted soccer mom in minivan...

[@kybourbonboy]

I was going to point that out but you beat me to it. In addition to preparing to stop and/or avoid the car when I see that I also flash my bright lights several times.

[@donaldmoe3286]

kybourbonboy -- And lay on the horn until you're convinced that the driver has stopped the car and is paying attention!

[@johnpersonage7220]

Yes, looking at the front wheel to see if it turns is the best way.

[@jimparchert5806]

I have always made it a point to make eye contact with drivers in car. I now live in Arizona and many people add very dark tint their side windows to keep the sun. The law limits the amount of tint that can be applied to the front windows but a high number of people do not follow the law. Cars with dark window tints make it impossible to make eye contact so when I am in traffic I spend most my ride with my hand on my brake lever being ready to brake if necessary.

[@justpassinbyy]

if you expect every single vehicle on the roads to be out to get you and expect them to pull out in front of you, side swipe you, rear end you, or fall from the sky on top of you, then you will be prepared and keep an eye out for all dangers.

[@_Michiel_]

You forgot to mention that the cars could as well appear from underneath the road. 😜

[@benjamincs1]

I'm not sure about "out to get you". I don't think that's helpful. But yeah, not see you and drive really stupidly, definitely.

[@justpassinbyy]

@@benjamincs1 it was mostly sarcasm but the fact is that every vehicle on the road is a danger to you. considering all the texting and driving, reading and driving, putting on makeup and driving, DRINKING and driving etc that goes on behind the wheel of a car it only takes a fraction of a second and you have a trip to the morgue on your schedule. that doesnt mean be paranoid but it does mean be cautious and think of every vehicle as the one that ends it all. just my way of thinking and it keeps my head on a swivel and always paying attention when the cages arent.

[@benjamincs1]

@@justpassinbyy Agreed! Bikers need something like 'healthy paranoia' just to survive. They're not actually out to get you; some are idiots, but partly cars just don't see us. Once you adjust for it things aren't so bad.

[@j.richards2346]

Wearing hi-viz green or blaze orange is cheap insurance that may save your bacon some day...

[@LTVoyager]

Yes, I liked the old days when the A pillar was 2” wide, but with today’s roll-over requirements for cars and the installation of airbags everywhere, these pillars have become massive.

[@cisium1184]

I won't buy a new car for precisely this reason.

[@chrisb9960]

@@cisium1184 i was forced to purchase a new car when my Toyota Tacoma was recalled. There was a rust problem on the frame. It wasn't even close to the obstructed view that i have now.

[@billbauman7813]

Cisium you might not. But lots of other people sure are.

[@jschoneger]

Yes, it's true, technology to make boxes safer has created a new problem. Now with "cross traffic" detection half the time they don't even look at the road, just the symbols in the mirrors!

[@nonaubiz8939]

@@cisium1184 Me either, I'm still driving the same car I bought new in 1912.

[@briancooney9952]

As motorcyclists, we are the only ones responsible for getting ourselves home in one piece. Always be prepared for people pulling out right in front of you, or cutting you off. Don't be surprised by it, but rely on it happening. And no, revving your engine isn't going to help. It's amazing to see all the videos on youtube where guys waste 2 or 3 seconds of precious time by revving the piss out of their engine instead of taking evasive action.

[@charlescummings1484]

Excellent video from MCrider and excellent response. (a message from clammy LibLand CT).

[@malrofo]

It's much better to punch their mirror off. They'll remember that

[@norsefalconer]

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Absolutely.

[@dizzriding2653]

This mirrors my philosophy 100%. Whenever possible I do not ride in any car's blind spots, or even right beside their window if I can help it, because I assume that the car will not see me. If they are changing lanes, or pulling out into my lane, I am ready for it. EVERYONE who drives has at least once done a maneuver without having checked properly that the lane was clear. Or just simply NOT seen a vehicle that was right there. It happens. It actually boggles my mind how many riders are taken by surprise by cars changing lanes into them or simply not seeing them... I thought it was universal that all riders know they need to assume EVERY car can't see them. How do I convince my family that I will get home safe tomorrow even though we have a motorcycle death nearly every day in Australia? I tell them that I take 100% responsibility for my safety. I don't expect a single driver to do anything whatsoever to keep me safe. It is all on me. And hopefully that philosphy gets me home safe for the rest of my riding days.

[@jhask64]

BIG TRUCKS; Several have already mentioned that A pillars are getting bigger and bigger with safety requirements and airbags hiding in them. I'd like to point out another blind spot on some vehicles. Semi truck mirrors!! I have driven a truck for decades and these have also "grown" through the years. Advancements including power mirrors and heated mirrors have made them quite large creating yet another blind spot beside the A pillar. That being said, pay extra attention to large trucks with huge mirrors. With the extra time required for a big rig to pull out onto the road, it's easy for a driver to get impatient after waiting quite a while and miss someone in that Blindspot. (Sadly speaking from experience here, no collision just near misses!) Great topic Kevin.

[@Brooklyn_Powers]

J Hask I struggle with this problem everyday in my ‘16 Cascadia, the mirrors and a pillars are terrible when it comes to this topic. Fortunately, time and experience helps, however, it’s still an issue to pay full attention to.

[@MotoJournoKris]

As a rider I always try and give trucks plenty of room, assume they can't see me and go out of my way to ride in a manner which recognises they are big, hard to stop, and slow to accelerate, and need room. A lot of drivers complain bitterly about trucks, but in my experience it's because they are terrible drivers. I've had a few trucks scare me over the years doing something truly silly - like crossing four lanes of traffic for an exit, but generally they are much much better drivers than people in cars. In most cases the problems people have with trucks are acting as though they are a normal vehicle, and not taking into account all those factors, plus the limited vision, and then getting angry when pure physics comes into play. I always feel sorry for truck drivers, since generally they do an amazing job!

[@Brooklyn_Powers]

Moto Journo Kris It’s too bad there aren’t more people with your perspective out there on the roads today.

[@Grim_Beard]

Ah, the good old Law of Unintended Consequences. "Let's make cars safer for the occupants in the _very rare event_ of a roll-over accident." "OK done. Unfortunately, they now have huge blind spots that will increase the risk of an accident at _every single junction_ they drive up to."

[@hillie47]

Agreed, but it's not just roll over, as many cars have air bags in there, which take up some space too. The airbags at least are used in more accident types and do help the drivers and passenger survival rate. It's a difficult tradeoff, and not a very fortunate one for us smaller vehicles.

[@AJBikeridervtx]

I think it’s always important to be aware of all vehicles at enter sections. But I believe that we bikers must be even more aware during times of rush hour traffic. This is when everyone is in such a hurry that they don’t take time to look twice through the enter sections. They look and go. Be safe out there.

[@elrumcajs777]

You are so right. Lastly I just try not to even touch the bike at those times. Hell, I try not go out at all! It’s insane.

[@AJBikeridervtx]

I agree it’s much better not to be out during those times of heavy traffic. But when you are to be mindful all the possible blind spots is a good thing to remember and be more conscious of the other vehicles and how they may driving.

[@AJBikeridervtx]

Yes riding in the country side has some beautiful land scape. But the critters can be bad. Have to keep eyes moving constantly. And moms will always worry no matter how old you are. Lol

[@N3PRO-Dave]

I have dealt with the A pillar blind spot in the truck but never noticed if I was in someones blind spot on the bike. I typically swerve when approaching an intersection and really don't know why just something I always do and did even when I was a kid on a peddle bike;. It wasn't until your videos that I learned it can be a positive action. Great visual.

[@pauldavison2116]

My dad told me when I started driving a car "You might be in the right. Just don't be dead right". Same applies to motorcycles too. Cover those brakes, and slow down a bit when you are coming up to an intersection. Remember for every 10 miles per hour of speed you are traveling 14.7 feet per second! Just by slowing down 10 mph, in 2 seconds (which is less time than reading this one sentence) you can cut off 29.4 feet of reaction time and stopping distance. When inches count that 10 mph decrease can be the difference between making it home in one piece or being buried 6 feet. May sound mellow dramatic, but it is just facts and has save me more than a few times.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep this is the best advice, and a great mentality to ride by.

[@sjguy1099]

I had a incident where a pickup truck was at a stop sign & making a left turn. I had my high beams on and it was a clear/sunny day. Those times you say to yourself "No way will they pull out". They did right in front of me. I was prepared (on both brakes & had slowed speed) and was able to stop. Thanks for that vivid video of the other drivers viewpoint with the A-pillar blind spot. I had no ideal it would block a big truck from view! EVERY DRIVER SHOULD SEE YOU'RE VIDEO. This incident bothered me as I never could figure out "how or why", this person could not see me! Now I know THE REAL REASON. Thanks Again and I will add the swerving technique when approaching stopped cars as another precaution. Plan "C"... TRACTOR TRAILER HORN!

[@martingarner1282]

Don't forget you've got a horn, use it if you're concerned. Fit loud exhaust cans so you can be heard coming. Great video with some great advice. Cheers.

[@tripsmytrigger7090]

Thanks Kevin! Great reminder! When approaching intersections, I always expect drivers to not not see me, helps me to quickly identify escape lanes and options.

[@rabbit4111]

Great that you feature this potential hazard Kevin. Impatient drivers can easily be fooled by A pillar obstructing the view as they rely on the quick glance through the clear windscreen before pulling out, missing seeing both car and bike !! Happens too often so defensive riding and alertness are paramount.

[@donaldmoe3286]

On my motorcycles I've always replaced the incredibly puny stock horns ("mweep-mweep") with much more effective dual-tone horns, such as made by FIAMM, which are surprisingly inexpensive. I have found them to wake up car or truck drivers to my presence much better, both at intersections and on multi-lane highways. Additionally when riding on a multi-lane highway, I position myself in the right or left wheel track so that my bike is visible and not in the other driver's blind spot.

[@-JohnSmith-]

Donald Moe Stebiel Nautilus mini is great for motorcycles👍

[@donaldmoe3286]

John Dough -- Yes, the Stebel air-horns are popular. On a previous motorcycle many years ago, I installed an air-horn and found it unsatisfactory for a two main reasons: the delay as the compressor builds pressure and its unreliability. Doubtless, the newer devices are much improved, but the unit is still rather bulky.

[@brettcreech3490]

Thank you Kevin for your videos . May God bless you and your family always.

[@mervscott6503]

Its a case of when will it happen to you .. not if it will .. wise words indeed.

[@MotoJournoKris]

The pillar design is a reason for people not seeing, but it's also an excuse. It's their responsibility to properly check in a safe manner. You never expect them to do so, but when they say stuff like 'I didn't see you', there's no reason for that excuse to hold any water or to give that any credence. Always assume that every driver is an unskilled, 18 year old on their mobile phone, with no focus or real interest in driving and you're prepared for the average driver mindset. Not the worst driver, just the average!

[@chrisb5086]

I’ve got a huge A pillar on my truck and bob my head at intersections to make sure I’m seeing around it, but I hadn’t thought of what I could be doing as a rider to compensate for this so I’m seen easier. Great awareness video!! Thank you!

[@wallyr.7854]

The fact some viewers give any of Kevin's videos a thumbs down just blows me away and it upsets me 😡! Thanks Kevin, as always an excellent video, thank you 🙇🏻

[@thomasquinn4700]

My NP 300 Navara has absolute blind spots at the A pillar. Best old school advice: when you enter an intersection drop a gear.

[@beerdedwanderer]

Big part of what I dislike about new cars, no visability with thick pillars and high shoulders. Almost turned left into a bicyclist in a rental grand Cherokee because he was behind the A pillar, road was busy with foot traffic and vehicles so much going on i missed him until I began my turn. Thankfully I saw him and stopped immediately but he was not happy and I was apologetic.

[@Rawmantic92]

I love the fact that sometimes you do more than sitting on this chair and talking just to make people understand better and easier what you want to pass on to them,i wish you did that more often but on the other hand i understand that it takes more time and effort.I appreciate your dedication thank you again and again keep up the good work Kevin you are the BEST !!

[@robertbyrd6703]

I like ro hit the horn with a "beep-beep" when I have the right of way to proceed through an intersection or T-section. Weaving or moving within the lane as Kevin mention is also a good tactic. As always--thanks Kevin👍

[@benjamincs1]

Good tactic. I'm never sure if the horn will confuse people though - so thanks for saying you do it, it encourages me to. Not sure about giving a little rev instead, but then this might make it harder to react if I need to.

[@robertbyrd6703]

Thanks for your comment. I try to use the horn early enough to hopefully avoid any confusion. The weave or rocking the bike adds to visibility that may catch their eye. I do not flash my headlights because in Virginia that is interpreted as "go ahead"or "you go first". Be safe, see ya on the road!

[@tbillyjoeroth]

People get angry if you use a horn these days, even a little TOOT.

[@trumpisyourpresident9785]

Kevin, you are the single most productive motorcycle channel on KZbin. You have nothing but good information. Thank you for your contribution to riding.

[@mst10506]

You might also want to cover in a future video - the blind spot at the rear of larger cars, SUVs and pickups. I'm a 20 year experienced rider but got caught a few years ago. I came up to a rural intersection with a stop sign. There was a car at the stop sign and a pickup behind the car. As I saw the car start to roll, I started to roll forward along with the pickup. Except for some unknown reason, the car driver changed his mind and started a three-point U turn instead. The pickup driver chose to give the car a little more room and put his truck into reverse and rolled his bumper into my front wheel before I had a chance to react, causing the bike to tip over. Fortunately he paid for the respray and repair to my front mudguard.

[@RinoStoof]

Good video! I'm a bus driver as well as a bike rider. In a city bus the A-pillar is a lot more chunky and the driver HAS to move his head back and forward to avoid entire trucks being missed. Small roundabouts are the worst because of the angles involved. So when you approach a bus that wants to pull onto your road, beware! If you can see the driver's face, he can see you. If you can't, better slow down and make sure he will see you. Happy riding!

[@kingfisherphil]

Hi Kevin, another highly useful thought provoker! I saw today on Facebook a video of a big semi pullout of a side road totally failing to see the cyclist approaching on the road. The driver's view was obscured by ......the massive wing mirrors ! Yes WE have to take responsibility as sometimes drivers simply cannot see us........ Thanks Kevin, you are doing a great job of raising awareness.

[@igortavares3992]

I drive a popular compact car, so it's A pillar is not quite as large as a Nissan Frontier... But it did not prevent me from almost running a person (covered by A pillar and added negative visual factor, wearing all black) on a pedestrian crossing. This episode made me pay more attention to these blind spots, and many times I noticed how important respecting Stop signs is... It's pretty easy hiding a motorcycle behind A pillar, when you don't stop, 'cause your movement combined with that of the bike creates a situation where the bike is behind that pillar all the time until it's too late, or luckily enough, near missing... Great subject... There are still many to be talking about... Keep it safe, folks!

[@r.t.dominguez1717]

I know that blind spot! I thought it's just my Toyota Fortuner! Now I know it wasn't just me. Glad you brought it up! 👍

[@danielo4304]

We all have to be alert at all times we don't have A-pillars so we have to make good judgement on vehicles they also are on their phones and thinking about their weekends they are not 100% on the road but we are. Thank you very helpful information

[@tealtazmanian966]

FINALLY, someone that recognizes this and acknowledges this blind spot. I've tried to explain this to new riders and they have a hard time taking evasive actions like covering the brakes or even different locations on the roadway. Either they don't even see there can be a problem or just don't get that it can happen. This is a great topic so I appreciate you for this one as well. Another thing I have even had to get stern with new riders is NOT to ride side by side in the same lane. I always back off whenever someone wants to ride side by side with me. This is probably as dangerous as riding with no front brake to me. I need to be able to maneuver without having another bike right next to me. I am always moving from one side of the lane to the other as i approach other cars or see cars overtaking me and at intersections....and yes, I always cover my brakes whenever I see anything that may not see me. Instinct just dictates that after many thousands of miles on the road. I've been in situations where the rain covers the cars windshield making that A pillar loss of view even larger so yeah, this is a fantastic topic. I had one very close call in the rain and the guy turns out to be a rider too so he apologized and admitted he should have looked again but it all worked out fine. I instinctively knew he wasn't going to stop so I stopped in the middle of my lane and laid on my HORNS and he heard me before he finally saw me as he went into the middle of the intersection. I have 3 sets of twin horns on my Bike...two up front under the fairing and one set under the license plate area....THEY WORK WONDERS TOO. I ride a Saweeet '84 Goldwing Aspencade and love this thing. The newer ones are more complicated and I know my Brakes, Lean Angles and it is simply an extension of ME. THANK YOU for getting this word out.

[@DwayneLoudon]

I play it like I'm always in the blind spot. Like the car has no mirrors or windows! That's how most people drive them, anyway 😂

[@keithwaite5026]

Beardedlovebug spot on👍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍👊

[@kybourbonboy]

You are so correct. I think the majority of drivers never use either of their side view mirrors. And they're fairly sloppy about using the rear view mirror. I was taught that knowing what is going on behind you is as important as what is going on in front of you

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm the same but I assume the driver has no brain - the behaviour is the same!

[@lylemacdonald6672]

Love your content; a real service to riders both novice and experienced. I have been licensed since I was 14 and am now 64. To reduce reaction tiimes I cover my brake and clutch at all times. When coming to intersections or anywhere where I am concerned about unexpected car behaviour I have my horn and headlight switch covered as well. I will often use the high beam dip function on the headlight switch if I have any concern I may not be noticed when entering the intersection danger zone. I also replace the factory 'Harpo Marx toot toot horn' with dual hi/lo tone Fiamms so I sound more like a F350 pick up. Many drivers making lane changes without doing shoulder checks have been quickly brought to enlightenment by those horns. Ride smart, ride safe everyone.

[@got_to_roll]

Fantastic subject! I had not considered A-pillar blindspot, but it likely explains why a driver pulled out right in front of me on a 45mph road. All ended well, but the person on the motorcycle behind me honked at them causing the car driver to brake after pulling out which made it even more difficult to avoid hitting them. Thank you Kevin for inspiring me to take the time to learn road strategy and to practice avoidance maneuvers. Slow and swerve has been helpful twice in the 2 years and 15,000 miles I've ridden. I have watched every one of your videos and recommend them to all riders regardless of experience.

[@richklares3849]

This video saved me today . Looked up the road and saw the A pillar blocking the driver completely. Pressed the brakes and slowed. Car pulled out !! They never saw me .Can't thank you enough.

[@Custnam]

In that situation as the motorcycle if you dont see their eyes, they most likely have no idea you are there. So eye contact, or at least being able to see their head.

[@martyking6942]

I agree. If you don't see their eyes they don't see you but if you do see their eyes they still may not see you. It happened to me once. I saw his eyes looking straight at me but that didn't stop him from pulling across the road and I slammed into the side of his car. I was on a 21-speed bicycle at the time and put a huge dent in the side of his car but that didn't stop him from driving on.

[@b.chuchlucious5471]

That helps, but I've had people look directly at me and still pull out anyway.

[@garyhalsey7693]

I agree totally! I am a motorcyclist but also I am a PCV (Bus & Coach) Instructor in the UK and we teach the eye contact method even though our vehicles are large!! It’s amazing how people “don’t see” my training coach!!

[@gwynnromano5881]

I always heard the adage to make eye contact but after one or two close calls I realized that drivers can be looking right at you and not perceive you. You’re not a threat. I learned to focus on the left front wheel. If they’re coming out of a side street or driveway I watch to see if the wheel starts to rotate which says to me they are going. If they’re facing me and I see it turn to their left it means I assume they will turn in front of me regardless of whether or not they can make it.

[@brno221973]

There was an ad running in the uk a few years ago for drivers of cars/vans ect & the saying was that “people look but don’t see”. Quite a powerful ad because a motorcyclists gets badly injured in it.

[@AndyMuellerez2b]

I was eighteen years old on a brand new '69 Triumph cruising along at 40 mph. Whee, look at me everybody - suddenly a car turned left in front of me, and the driver said later I just didn't see him. Lucky I survived, but I didn't feel very lucky for a few weeks while I was mending. After watching this video, I realized just now that I was in that A pillar blind spot. Good video - especially for new riders, but for old gaffers like myself as well. Thanks!

[@williamwintemberg]

Great Topic! Another Outstanding Video! I have been in these situations while on the bike as well as a four wheeler. In addition to all you have talked about I would like to add a couple of extra things I watch in these situations. Eye contact with the driver of the four wheeler is a must. I also watch for movement of the front wheel of the vehicle. I find it's easier to predict what is going to happen by watching the front wheel rather than watching just the vehicle alone.

[@hairybanana9668]

In the first situation another problem that I see and I’m guilty of myself is missing the motorcycle/scooter on the outside of a car when the car turn and the bike continues straight .

[@harrymalone7117]

Both done as rider and auto operator and by the grace of God things mostly went well. A lot of thank God moments. As a new rider headed home after being separated from my riding partner on a ride. I was hit on the port side of my Honda CB 350. No broken bones just one cut to left ankle a few stitches and one scrape on top of that ankle. I still see that car pulling from a stop sign on my left. as I slowed down due to traffic in front of me. Of course the report was that he didn't see me. But with today's class, I now even less hold that action to his heart. I said as he pulled forward , "no he's not coming out here with me." Then as the study guide had instructed I lifted my leg to get it out of the impact area. Boy could I have used these informative classes then . I did no actions but braking as I was slowing down due to the car in front of me. At the time that I noticed him, it became too late too soon for me, being a new rider, without trained instruction. I froze, recovering in time to not hit the car ahead of me which was stopping or had stopped at that time. I lost a place to go. Handling became and still is my goal. Became MSF instructor. Still seeking Knowledge on riding for myself and to help others. I now know the A pillar was his and my biggest problem. Great work sir ! Harry R. Malone SR.

[@skunkhome]

Finally someone who recognizes the huge “A” pillar blind spot. I’ve been preaching that cagers for years now. Most don’t realize it exists.

[@NoName-mr1lh]

Good point. I automatically move my head to see around the blind spot before pulling away at junctions or about to turn into a road.

[@Nyli.]

This pillar thing drove me crazy when I was learning to drive a car. My instructor would tell me to turn my head around to see what's in the mirror blind spot, and I would happily do it, just to be "face to face" with the seatbelt attachment. Great.

[@jamcbride225]

As a rider and driver could not agree with you more. Very well covered and thanks for reminding us all.

[@ta-cinnz4233]

Yes I agree as a rider of bikes for over 30 years i found this is the most common cause of the excuse " I didn't see him officer." Where i come from we use the terms " Ride Defensively and Be Safe Be Seen." This includes what you have suggested to help prepare for the time when it happens. The suggestion of changing lane position or weaving may have other consequences say if seen by law enforcement officers, this may give them an excuse to pull you up for suspicion of DWI as you call it there. But I guess I would rather stand there and explain to an officer why I was doing that than being flat on my back in pain from a collision. I have been watching your channel for a little while now and have appreciated the perspective you give and have been able to translate it to my riding environment ie. We drive on the left here. Thank you for your time and energy in helping us become better riders and better commuters.

[@johnlane1664]

Kevin, Great reminder. We all have short term memory and therefore one of the best aspects of your program is your organized approach and professional delivery of “reminders” that we all need. Whenever I approach a car that may be entering my lane, I also will make myself larger by extending an arm up in the air. Sort of waving. Thank you..jlane in tx

[@tombeckett4340]

Bang on Kevin good advice. I’ve been there & done that . That just one of the danger zones. 👍🇨🇦

[@Rodneythor]

There is something you missed big time. Please go back to the graphic at 2:45 where the bike is hidden in the A-Pillar blind spot. Add motion. As the car is slowly moving forward, and the bike is slowly moving forward, the bike MOVES AND STAYS in that blind spot. If you have a careless driver who is about to roll through that stop, like so many do, particularly when they think there’s no oncoming traffic, that car can hit the throttle and leap right out in front of the bike. This is because the bike has stayed behind the A-Pillar long enough he driver really thinks he’s all alone, even though he looked and looked. Please add this to a future video.

[@oulupulu]

Yeah, actually, that happened to me yesterday. At first I thought the driver was just 'asleep', now I realize that I was probably in his blind spot. That's pretty helpful!

[@martyportersr7008]

Kevin, This is great info for all of us, including cagers as well. Great job and again thanks for helping all riders. I look forward to your video every week. How could anyone put a thumbs down?

[@craigreynolds2539]

Had that situation a thousand times, and something I’ve tried hard to teach my sons (since trying to convince them Not to ride didn’t work). Great Job Sir, a video I wish was compulsory for ALL new drivers AND riders. Default mindset- you are INVISIBLE until proven otherwise

[@oknevals]

Amen. Great advice. Lots of young guys with impressive motorcycle riding skills are giving advice on how to get those skills but, very few are teaching about safety and strategy. One can do all kind of tricks but, if the guy from the other side doesn't see you, the only trick you can pull of is staying alive. This advice is valid for all drivers no matter what vehicle they use/ride. Too many people are completely oblivious to blind spots of other or their own in intersections or on the road in general. My general rule is if I can't see someone's face, they can't see me either. But, even if I can see their face, I never assume that they see me. Several times I had people seemingly looking at me and still did something stupid like pulling right in front of me. I made mistakes myself. The reason I made it, it was that my driving strategy is to always make extra room for my own mistakes. It usually serves as buffer for those of others too.

[@marekstawicki8811]

Hey Kevin! one think I am using very, I mean VERY often while riding in the city traffic is to always keep my fingers on the front break lever! It is like a habit: when I see cars around me - my fingers go there and stay there until the road is clear, nor intersections, etc. When you have the lever adjusted properly it is very easy to leave the fingers there, it does not inhere your comfort nor the bike control. what it DOES is: (a) shorten time response to any hazard, and (b) makes the emergency breaking much, much "relaxed" (if you can call it so) - just because you were per-prepared to do it beforehand.

[@jamessilberschlag1705]

I know the 'A' pillar blind spot particularly well - Nissan Titan. Horrible blind spot. My only real complaint (other than overpriced repair parts!) Been riding 47 years, have had a few accidents, still in the wind. Still finding new ways other folks are trying to do us in. Keep riding safe, keep us learning to keep ourselves safe. Thanks!

[@robertbrunston5406]

Very good safety video Kevin! One else I do is slow down when I approach an intersection or even a cross street, just expect that someone will pull out in front of you! This has saved me many times.Thank you

[@HepcatHarley]

Worthy of note is also as the car is approaching the junction and you are coming towards it, the A-Pillar blind spot is tracking you and the driver of the car might not see you until you go past him.....that is of course if he stops at the junction. When driving my car I always look around the A Pillar in this situation.

[@billbanche4605]

Yes Kevin, both of those: Now after watching this video I now realize that the story I shared here a while back where a Black sports car came out of a almost blind driveway on my right and came VERY close to hitting me. He didn't slow down much for the stop sign, and I didn't even see him until way too late to even use the brakes. He stopped in time. But now I realize I was very likely in his A pillar blind spot.! With his excessive speed for the conditions and hardly slowing down it all happened in less than a second. It didn't help that he was making a left turn where it said "NO LEFT TURN" . The other example I was driving a friend to the hospital in their car, and did not see a truck coming towards me across the intersection then turning left in front of me with me turning right, so he stayed in my blind spot for too long, and the only reason I stopped was the shout from my friend in the passenger seat. Being used to riding a motorcycle as my main transportation was part of the problem since I'm used to being able to see all 180 degrees or more in front of me!. thanks again Kevin. another excellent vid. :)

[@russellhorn6372]

I learned a long time ago, as the result of someone pulling out in front of me, to run more than just a headlight on the front of my bike. I also have more than just a tail light on the rear of my bike. Main lesson here is make yourself more visable to traffic. This is more important than ever with the amount of distracted drivers on the road. I see more and more people texting while driving than ever before.

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Great video Kevin. Hear so many times, "I have the right of way..." which will usually end up worse for the rider than the driver in split second. I don't ride in a hurry or aggressively, this helps and I have no problems letting someone in or anticipating their lane change, especially if I'm riding next to a merge lane. Also a good idea in the low evening sun, to watch for drivers facing the sun, pulling out in front of you. Thanks Kevin, all the best.

[@ianallso2541]

A fourth stratogy to protect yourself can be the horn, if a vehicle has not seen you for any reason and starts to pull out, often the blast of the horn will have the driver look again. Only this week I was riding home on a four lane road, I was scanning the junction on my left, the driver looked to be looking directly at me but proceeded to pull out, fortunately I had time and distance to check my mirrors and perform a head check before changing lanes and passing the vehicle, I did use my horn as I passed in the assumption that if the driver had not seen me prior to pulling out they may switch lanes and not see me once again.

[@ravenprince.23]

On a stormy night while I was driving my car, there was a pedestrian that was hiding in the A pillar blind spot. I nearly hit her, she was wearing a dark rain slicker and the lighting was bad at the intersection. I didn’t see her until the last second, she stopped and I stopped. I rolled my window down and apologized for nearly hitting her. She was very nice about it, and basically just said thanks for seeing her and not running her down. My passenger had no idea what was going on until the woman responded to my apology. So, maybe it wasn’t just the A pillar blind spot. Haha! Anyway, good video!

[@rafborrero]

Coming into a gas station, turning left, I didn't see another car coming at me. My passenger did and screamed stop, which I did, avoiding a head on collision. I was in an unfamiliar vehicle with a large A pillar - with the angle of my turn, that other car's turn, our speeds, that car stayed in that blind spot until I slowed down. Now I move around before turning to make sure I see around that pillar.

[@HarleyPebley]

My dad just turned me onto your channel a couple weeks ago. Great stuff! Yes, as a driver I've known about that A-pillar blind spot for awhile now, my Jeep GC seems to have the biggest one I've seen. For some reason, never considered it as a rider. Thanks for the perspective change.

[@KneelMore_CacheTales]

Good advice. One of my worst blindspots is the rearview mirror. I'm 6'1" and when I look to my right at an intersection, the rearview mirror can completely cover an entire car. I have to consciously look under the mirror.

[@carolinap4150]

Thank you Kevin, very instructive way to put it. It happen to me while driving my car, That A pillar was on the way and i didn't noticed a car coming from my left - luckily nothing happened and I now am more aware of this pillar. We learn each day to be better and safe riders.

[@mmakine1]

Awareness saved me today, when I was on my second learning ride with an instructor. I'm taking the lessons to get my European A2 licence. The driving school is some miles away from the handling training area and the students ride that way and there back. Now today, after the days handling training the instructor told that it goes just well, let's take a bit different route back to school to get some traffic riding. I was riding a 4 lane road at 70km/h or 45MPH limit, around that max allowed speed. In next busy intersection, the traffic lights were out of order, there was a bad traffic jam in opposite direction but my lane was free. The malfunctioned traffic lights were the first warning. Second warning was a car standing right, trying to turn left but it was impossible with that traffic and without traffic lights. The car was positioned so, that I might have been in the blind spot of A-pillar. I was quite sure that the driver will not notice me and just when I started to slow down, the car took off in front of me to take a U-turn using my lane. I braked and swerwed without problems as I had already focus on that car and done just an hour of braking and counter-steering excercises. Instructor who was riding behind me honked to driver and used somewhat rude language. He was quite suprised when I was so calm after hard braking and swerwing. I just got a real life example how I'm invisible on a bike, on sencond time I'm riding. With 3 hours experience i cannot have much skills to save me, but I was expecting the unexpected.

[@joeljasper3622]

I have a Toyota Tundra and have noticed the A-pillar and mirror on the right side makes a large blind spot. I have to pay special attention to vehicles coming from my right. It has covered an entire car twice. Especially if I and the other vehicle are approaching an intersection at the same rate. Good instruction!

[@manz1960]

A few years ago, I came to a stop. Checked both ways, started to take a left and a white Harley that just appeared out of no-where. He must have been in my a pillar and since it was a sunny day, I am sure he somewhat blended in the road scene as well. I have ridden 24,000 miles since I bought my first bike. My heart was in my throat thinking, "man, I could have messed that guy up....and I am a rider for goodness sakes". BTW, he NEVER looked my way, made eye contact and was wearing a t-shirt. If I hit him, he would have never seen me coming. Not good man, not good.

[@empathyisonlyhuman7816]

Good video and good topic. The only thing I would add to this is to never assume that you know what another driver or rider is about to do. Knowing that the unexpected can and sometimes does happen is a good way to approach navigating traffic no matter what type of vehicle you're operating.

[@gregburns3904]

I have had this situation twice. I am from New Zealand so we drive on the left. The event occurred with a 4x4 turning right from a Stop at the base of a T intersection. I was approaching from the vehicle’s left to turn right. They initially saw me, but lost me in the A pillar and started to pull out. The passenger saw me and stopped the driver before a collision occurred and I managed to complete my turn. The second occurrence was virtually identical situation. This time however, they did not stop and I had to emergency brake to prevent hitting their vehicle.

[@Marksmisfitworld]

That is the blind spot that I fell into with my motorcycle accident years ago before I understood what was going on. Something that was learned with experience.

[@maryannebower7707]

Yes, we need to pay attention to those blind spots always. Thanks for the video and reminder.

[@steveel1939]

I remember one time I saw a segment on TV discussing pillars. They were playing around with different ideas to reduce the amount of obstruction they cause. I guess they never did anything. Concave the b pillar. Also make little windows in the A pillar and design in a angle fashion to keep the strength. I always take pillars into account. Major blind spots

[@Hurdl]

Well... it is awefully true: Blindspots aren't alone in 4-wheel vehicles, but it occurs also on the motorcycle as well. Your mirrors don't show all of your side and rear view either. A car - like a ford focus or a long vehicle with 5m length - could hide easily in those blindspots. And therefore your shoulder check is very important. really good video, buddy. Lovely greetings from Austria. :)

[@RantDuJour]

Thats why you should accelerate into lane changes, so that if you miss something you are moving away from it. Once in the other lane and you are safe you can decelerate again. Look up/search for fortnine video on driving like you are Invisible here om KZbin.

[@Hurdl]

@@RantDuJour Yeah. That is a great video, which I've already seen. :D But thanks for the answer. My Comment above was just for information. I've noted those blind spots on severell trip on the german autobahn and on the austrian autobahn as well: All kind of vehicles have their own blind spots. :)

[@cbrooks2767]

It doesn't seem to matter about the pillar size since most drivers are looking down at their phone and can't see that pillars at all!

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

I always seem to find the "look but not looking" drivers, even in my car. They roll through a stop sign on the side of a busy road, look right at you and then proceed to pull in front of you anyway without stopping. It's like they never had any plan to stop in the first place.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@GeneralChangFromDanang They probably didn't. A lot of people drive like this. They have just trained themselves to do the basic 'pretend to look' as a habit. I think it's worse on bikes because even people who see you often can't actually tell your speed, and judge it to be much lower.

[@mikestrickland6032]

As a rider in that situation I move to the right side of my lane to get more into their drivers side window view and out from behind their A pillar. I also employ some back and forth movement hoping that they see me. The only problem with that is that it puts me closer to them limiting my way of escape .

[@johnbiskup2130]

I am a new subscriber and thoroughly enjoying your vids. It has always amazed me how many motorcyclists say there is no such thing as a blind spot, they just need to look. Looking and seeing are two different this and as motorcyclist, there is no substitute for defensive driving. My truck has huge pillars and far to many times have I missed seeing pedestrians crossing the road because of it. Never hit anyone luckily.

[@BigMoeFo]

Kevin, well said once again....car drivers are not going to educate themselves when it comes to caution with us riders so it's up us to take control as much as we can

[@benwells2338]

Because of your thumbnail,I thought you were going to discuss the blind spot caused by semis and other large vehicles when traveling on a freeway, because that is very much a caution zone on the freeway since they act really, as moving walls that entirely block a portion of the road, beyond the truck. Whenever I’m coming up to the side of a truck, left or right side, I always look over my shoulder and to the side and proceed to pass with caution and slow enough to react if need be, because many many times, there is likely a car looking to overtake the truck, and even possibly switch lanes and come into mine suddenly. Throw in an oncoming exit or on ramp and you have potential for disaster. I actually realized this scenario back before getting into motorcycles, but since becoming a rider, that particular scenario was definitely elevated in my list of “hazard zones” that I am overly vigilant of while out on a ride or commuting. Great video nonetheless, and I agree! That A pillar is a pain, even for drivers! I like to take my small little VW Golf on spirited drives in the mountains from time to time, and when going around bends and curves, I’m always having to shift my body and look around that dang A pillar, and mine isn’t even all that big begging such a small car.

[@owloped405]

This is why a full stop at a stop sign is so important as a car driver and as a motorcyclist. Yeah, we've all not wanted to put our feet down and it looks clear so we accelerate before making the full stop. Car drivers love rolling stops. (FortNine does a brilliant video on why we don't see when in familiar areas, like our neighborhoods.) The stop allows your eye to start to see rather than have your brain assume. I was in my own neighborhood recently in my car driving up to a T stop sign intersection where I could clearly see down both sides of the street, which I am dangerously familiar with. (Familiarity breeds contempt and assumptions.) In a weird set of unfortunate geometrics, my car speed met perfectly with the speed of the car approaching on my right so it just stayed hidden behind my windshield's right pillar. Had I done that infamous rolling stop, because I could see down both sides of the approaching familiar road, I'd have gone straight into that car. But because I ride on two wheels a lot, motorcycle, scooter and a bicycle, I made the full stop and that car materialized from my point of view, out of nowhere. It's never happened to me before on that street and such a coincidence may never happen again, but I do know now more than ever that STOP means FULL stop for a reason.

[@darryljones215]

The cars/trucks A pillar lined up next to a telephone pole doubles the blind spot. Road signs can also contribute to this problem.

[@luck02]

I've definitely been surprised by things obscured by my a-pillar before. I try to be hyper aware of that fact while riding.

[@RantDuJour]

I have never been in an accident but the two closest incidents that I almost caused is because I missed cars in the a pillar blindspot. Once the hidden car was speed matched so that it moved in the blindspot while I was approaching the intersection of stayed hidden. In both cases low speed and being prepared saved both us and the other car from an accident.

[@egjr0765]

Hello Kevin, great topic and a great video. I was in Baton Rouge about 3 weeks ago when a pick-up truck pulled out in front of a motor patrol officer who was escorting a funeral procession. Unfortunately, the officer died. Such a needless accident that even a highly trained rider couldn't get out of. The Woodlands, Texas.

[@al-canadv9241]

One thing to add to this, if the car is moving up to the stop sign at precisely the right speed, that blind spot can match your speed and cover you for quite a distance, or quite a while. If the car driver is looking for traffic as they come up to the intersection before they come to a complete stop, and I’ve been guilty of this in a car myself, the chances of this happening go up accordingly.

[@jguilletjr]

I try to always be prepared for the Car to pull out in front of me. I have had drivers look right at me and I thought they made Eye contact with me only to have them pull out. Some times as we approach an intersection since I am moving it makes it tough to tell if the vehicle stopped is moving. I glance at the front tire as I approach if it moves at all I think "here he comes" Another thing is something I saw on the back of an 18 Wheeler. "If you cant see me, I cant see you." If I glance at the driver and he is out of view behind the "A piller" then I cant see him, and thus he cant see me. Some times you dont have time to do these little things, but if you do they help. It all comes down to Awareness. Great Video today. Thanks.

[@ae70gts]

if only car drivers and motorcyclists were watching your videos!!! your videos are so helpful!! keep it up!!! much respect from greece!!

[@PhinAI]

Restricted viewing in a car has been a big concern for me since my military days. I've been flat out t-boned in my car, and never saw the set up for it because the entire situation was obscured by my huge left front pillar. More and more, in assessing the actual viewing area from the driver's seat of a vehicle, I feel like I'm back to driving a Bradley where I need a Commander to sit topside to direct me safely.

[@ericmcknight123]

Thank you for this video. I have noticed the A pillar being a blind spot for vehicles. An excellent reminder.

[@indianbell5211]

It also happens in groups. I was the lead "captain" during a ride & lady driving a Toyota cut me/group off. I had seen her and was prepared. .now of course slowing down helped but I also ended up applying the breaks. We were all okay, well except (for hot head) "Joe" who was riding staggered behind me. He was tick at the car driver. Keep focused, keep safe!😎

[@chupo29]

Riding a Vespa GTS250 and had an emergency stop situation due to a car stalled three cars ahead. Was able to safely calmly and quickly stop thanks to these videos

[@bryanmahon7866]

Thank you Kevin... Great information, especially as a car is approaching its turn. Some people get to the intersection, take a quick glance, and take off, the perfect situation to miss seeing a motorcycle

[@wapster77]

ive had this very thing quite a few years ago i was riding down the road and someone in a car pulled out on me in there car they totaled my bike but i learnt from that to watch for it it may have been worse i only broke my hand but now im alot more aware of this kind of thing now great tip for new riders to be ready for anything that could happen

[@JBDacasinJr]

These techniques and methods have kept me riding and enjoying riding. Thanks MCRider.

[@robertschwarz4925]

Great video, it's too often that there are 'moto-crash' videos where the rider was sitting in a blind spot only to then be involved in a blind spot. It's always important to consider perspectives of other people on the road to make sure you are as safe as possible.

[@tqminnz1405]

Here in NZ, as in the UK, roundabouts are a common intersection treatment. The approach of the lane is angled to lead a vehicle onto the roundabout. That same angle perfectly aligns the A pillar to mask a motorbike or cyclist already on the roundabout. Just another example of road design that looks fine on paper but fails in practice.