Being drivers of both 4-wheels and 2-wheels ourselves here at MotoPinas.com, we are pretty familiar with a vehicle’s blind spots and how wary riders should be about them. We even wrote a guide on how to avoid vehicle blind spots.
Still, many of our fellow riders do not think that this knowledge is important. In the comments of our vehicle blind spots article, some even blame the drivers of trucks and buses for not seeing the motorcycle rider.
So for those who don't believe us, here's a Facebook post from an actual truck driver. Mark John Sacramento, who drives a 22-wheeler truck, has a plea for motorcycle riders.
The post says:
“To all motorcycle driver
Sa mga drivers ng private vehicle, motorcycle, tricycles or maliliit na pribadong sasakyan, nakikiusap po kami, na kung maaari iwasan ang pumwesto sa harapan, tagiliran (kaliwat, kanan) at bumuntot sa likuran ng truck, dahil hirap po namin kayo makita sa ibaba, hindi po sapat ang bull at side mirrors namin dahil napaka limited ng vision namin sa inyo. Pagdating sa likuan, naglalagay kami ng malaking clearance sa kaliwa o kanan para sa malinis na pagliko, hindi para singitan ng maliliit na sasakyan, lalo na ang motor. Hindi kmi humihingi ng prayoridad sa daan, ang hiling po nmin ay inyong pagbigay daan pra din sa inyong kaligtasan.”
(To drivers of private vehicle[s], motorcycle[s], tricycles and small other small vehicles, we ask that you avoid driving directly in front, on the sides or too close to the truck’s rear, because we simply cannot see you. Our bull mirrors and side mirrors are not enough to show all angles of our surroundings. Our vision is limited.
When turning left or right, we naturally take up a lot of space on the far side of the road so that we can complete a turn. Small vehicles, especially motorcycles, are not supposed to pass in these gaps. We’re not asking to be given priority on the road, we [as truck drivers] are just asking to be given due courtesy for your own safety.)
We believe no one wants to hit a rider on purpose. Many drivers really try their best to check for motorcycles near their vehicle whenever they can to avoid an accident. Yet, it's certainly much better if motorcycle riders are prudent and do their part as well.
As a motorcycle rider, the next time you see a truck, or any vehicle, please maintain your distance and always remember where the blind spots are.
