10 Tips to Avoid Blind Spot Motorcycle Accidents
(Updated September 24, 2025. Original article date September 27, 2021.)
Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom that no other vehicle can match, but they also come with unique risks. One of the biggest dangers riders face is being struck by a driver who simply doesn’t see them. Blind spot accidents are a leading cause of motorcycle crashes in Colorado and across the United States.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), motorcycles represent just 3% of vehicles on the road but account for more than 20% of traffic fatalities in the state. Many of these tragic collisions occur because a driver failed to check their blind spot before changing lanes. In the Denver metro area—where congested highways like I-25, I-70, and C-470 are full of fast-moving traffic—this risk is even greater.
As a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer, attorney Brian Pushchak has represented riders whose lives were turned upside down by negligent drivers. The truth is that blind spot accidents are preventable with awareness, defensive riding, and safe driving practices. Below are 10 essential tips to help both motorcyclists and motorists reduce the risk of blind spot collisions.
- Adjust Mirrors Properly
For drivers, properly positioned side mirrors are the first line of defense against blind spot crashes. Many people angle mirrors too far inward, creating large blind zones. Instead, adjust mirrors so that you just barely see the edge of your own car. This widens your field of vision and minimizes hidden areas where a motorcycle could disappear.
Motorcyclists should also adjust their mirrors frequently, especially when carrying a passenger or cargo that shifts balance. Clear visibility helps riders stay aware of vehicles around them.
- Use Blind Spot Monitoring Technology
Modern vehicles increasingly come equipped with blind spot detection systems that alert drivers to nearby motorcycles and cars. While these tools are not foolproof, they add an extra layer of protection. Drivers in Denver traffic should rely on both the technology and traditional head checks before changing lanes.
Motorcyclists can’t control whether drivers have this technology, but being aware of its limitations helps riders avoid staying in blind zones for too long.
- Position Yourself Strategically on the Road
Motorcyclists should avoid riding in the direct blind spots of cars and trucks, particularly near the rear quarter panels. Instead, position yourself where drivers can clearly see you in their side mirrors. When passing, do so quickly and decisively—don’t linger in a blind spot.
In Colorado, where long stretches of interstate are filled with semis, this practice is critical. Large trucks have massive blind spots on both sides, directly behind, and even directly in front of the cab. If you can’t see the truck driver’s mirrors, assume they can’t see you either.
- Make Yourself Visible
Visibility is key for motorcyclists. Brightly colored helmets, reflective gear, and proper use of headlights can significantly reduce the risk of a blind spot accident. Colorado law requires motorcycles to have headlights on during operation, even in the daytime—an important rule that makes riders more noticeable to drivers.
At night or in poor weather, reflective strips on jackets, pants, and bikes can help you stand out against dark road conditions.
- Use Turn Signals Early and Often
Miscommunication between drivers and riders often leads to crashes. Motorcyclists should always signal lane changes well in advance, giving surrounding drivers more time to recognize their movements. Similarly, drivers must signal before merging or turning so that riders can adjust their position safely.
Denver’s congested highways often involve sudden lane changes. Early signaling is a simple way to prevent misunderstandings that can lead to tragedy.
- Stay Out of Distracted Drivers’ Way
Blind spot accidents are often caused by distracted driving—people checking phones, adjusting music, or focusing on passengers. Riders should remain alert for vehicles drifting within lanes, braking late, or failing to signal. These are red flags that a driver may not be paying attention.
If you spot a distracted driver, create space. Drop back, change lanes, or accelerate past quickly and safely to minimize your time in their vicinity.
- Perform Shoulder Checks Every Time
For drivers, relying on mirrors alone is never enough. A quick shoulder check before changing lanes is the most effective way to ensure no motorcycle is hidden in a blind spot. Even with blind spot monitoring systems, nothing replaces physically confirming the lane is clear.
Teaching new drivers in Colorado—especially teens learning on busy Denver streets—to make shoulder checks a habit can save lives.
- Be Extra Cautious at Night and in Bad Weather
Blind spots become even more dangerous in poor visibility conditions. Rain, snow, fog, and nighttime driving make motorcycles harder to see. Riders should use high-visibility gear and ride defensively, while drivers must double their caution when merging or passing.
Colorado’s unpredictable weather can change quickly, particularly in mountain passes. Adjusting speed and increasing following distance helps both drivers and riders avoid mistakes.
- Respect Lane Sharing and Filtering Laws
In Colorado, lane splitting (riding between cars in moving traffic) is currently illegal. However, some riders still engage in this practice, particularly during gridlock. Doing so increases the risk of blind spot collisions, as drivers rarely expect motorcycles to pass between lanes.
Instead, motorcyclists should stay within their lane and maintain visibility. Drivers should respect motorcyclists’ right to a full lane of traffic. Crowding or cutting off a motorcycle can easily push them into a blind spot accident.
- Stay Educated and Aware
Both drivers and riders benefit from ongoing education. Colorado offers motorcycle safety courses through programs like Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST), which teach riders advanced techniques for defensive driving. Drivers, meanwhile, should stay aware of campaigns like CDOT’s “Look Twice, Save a Life” initiative, which reminds motorists to check blind spots for motorcycles.
Awareness is a shared responsibility. By staying informed and proactive, everyone on the road can help reduce the number of blind spot motorcycle accidents.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Blind Spot Motorcycle Accident
Despite taking every precaution, motorcyclists remain vulnerable to careless drivers. Blind spot accidents often result in severe injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. The recovery process can be long, painful, and financially devastating.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you need an advocate who understands the challenges riders face. Attorney Brian Pushchak has dedicated his practice to helping injury victims in Denver and throughout Colorado. Through his Informed Decisions™ Approach, Brian ensures you understand your legal options and empowers you to make the best choices for your future. He combines compassionate guidance with aggressive advocacy to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Final Thoughts
Blind spot accidents don’t have to be inevitable. With proper awareness, defensive riding, and respect between drivers and motorcyclists, many tragedies can be prevented. The next time you’re on Colorado’s roads—whether you’re behind the wheel or on two wheels—remember that a quick check could save a life.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Denver, don’t wait. Contact Brian Pushchak, Denver motorcycle accident lawyer, today for a free consultation.
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