What does a motorcycle's 'blind spot' refer to?

A motorcycle's 'blind spot' refers to areas around the motorcycle that are not visible in mirrors. These blind spots are critical to understand for safe riding, as they can hide vehicles, obstacles, or hazards that may be present when making maneuvers such as lane changes or turns.

Motorcycles are smaller and have a different shape compared to cars, which contributes to more significant blind spots. Since the mirrors can only capture a certain field of view, riders need to be aware of these blind areas and check over their shoulders to ensure there are no vehicles or other obstacles before changing lanes or executing turns. Being vigilant about blind spots helps prevent collisions and enhances overall road safety.

The concept of blind spots emphasizes the importance of physical awareness and proactive checking in addition to relying on mirrors alone, which enhances the safety of the rider and others on the road.