Limitations to the field of view
As a motorcyclist you generally have few things that can limit your field of view. The motorcycle has no window pillars behind which road users can disappear and by turning your head you have a wide field of view. So, make use of this. The biggest limitations in the field of view are caused by a fogged up or sprinkled visor, poorly adjusted mirrors or loose or billowing clothing reducing the view in the mirrors. Therefore, always wear snug fitting clothing, make sure you have a good visor that fogs up less quickly and check whether your mirrors are adjusted properly before every ride.
Obstruction of view caused by the environment
You can encounter a limitation of the view due to building, vegetation or other road users. You can see an example of this in the cover situation below; where a driver thinks he can enter the road but has not been able to see an approaching passenger car from behind a turning lorry.
The motorcyclist cannot see the approaching red car due to the lorry. If the motorcyclist is not consciously involved in this, it can lead to a cover accident.
Unfortunately, this is a situation where our brains can mislead us. What you do not consciously think about and what your eyes do not perceive is not there for your brain. This can lead to dangerous and sometimes fatal situations.
As a driver you can do something about this yourself. Be aware of places you cannot oversee. Assume that vehicles can come from here. Adjust your speed to this, so that you can stop in time.
As a motorcyclist need to be even more defensive about this. A lot of accidents happen because the motorcyclist is ‘overlooked’. Accept this fact and keep in mind that other drivers do not see you. Ride visibly and try to recognise cover situations in time.
Other road users’ field of view
Some drivers already have a poor all-round visibility due to their vehicle, such as lorry drivers and vehicles with trailers. Give these vehicles the space they need and assume that someone will not see you if you cannot see them.
With your motorcycle, stay out of blinds spots as much as possible, not only that of lorries but also that of passenger cars and buses. For example, on motorways, do not ride next to the same vehicle for too long. Maintain enough distance and do not lock yourself in behind other vehicles.
Always make sure that you ride ‘visibly’. Do not lock yourself in behind a bigger vehicle but maintain distance and do not ride too far to the right. The front motorcyclist is riding in a dangerous position. The rear motorcyclist is riding in a good position. This way you maintain the best view for a possible overtaking manoeuvre.
If the driver of the van has adjusted their mirrors correctly, then you are visible in area 2. Area 1 can be partially overseen if the driver turns their head well. Area three cannot be overseen at all.