Maybe It's All In My Head?

[burlyjack]

Just a random rambling here. Maybe it's just me, but has anyone noticed that most blind-spot monitoring systems on cars rarely detect a motorcycle. I've noticed several times the warning light won't come on until my front tire is almost even with their front door, if it comes on at all. However, when I'm in my truck it will come on while I'm several feet behind the vehicle. I know it's common sense that a smaller vehicle is harder to detect and that no one (riders or cagers) should rely on this technology. What's scary is that most people DO rely on it. I rarely ever see cagers check their mirrors or do shoulder checks before whipping into the next lane. I dunno, I would like to see awareness raised about this, letting people know that fancy system of theirs may not be as accurate as they think. I would also like to know if automakers test the detection of motorcycles and what their standards are. If they're advertising it as a safety feature, shouldn't it be safe for everyone on the road? I'm not too familiar with how these systems work, they didn't come on my '89 Ford . Just something to think about while on the road. Ride safe y'all!

 

[WingManGT]

That's why I never ride next to cars, either in front or behind so the can see me. I overtake only after I sit behind them till they check their mirror. It sucks, but they really don't see us for some reason...

 

[Marbro_za]

Never really noticed, Dont even know which cars have this

Maybe its because youre passing faster than the solution can detect?

 

[Hippo-Drones]

I tend not to notice what lights up on a car's dashboard when I'm riding my bike lol
I've never had a car with a blindspot detection system so no idea how they work. When on a bike I watch the cars front wheel and drivers side mirror if alongside them,

 

[lupin]

Think it just a size thing. They always light up when I get near the back of the cars.

 

[burlyjack]

I normally ride pretty relaxed. My VTX doesn't have much git up n go anyways so I don't think passing too fast is really the issue.

As far as hanging out next to traffic goes, I do my best to avoid it. Sometimes you just can't, especially on the freeways.

I tend not to notice what lights up on a car's dashboard when I'm riding my bike lol
I've never had a car with a blindspot detection system so no idea how they work. When on a bike I watch the cars front wheel and drivers side mirror if alongside them,

The warning lights typically are on the side mirrors which is how I notice it I don't trust most of this new tech they put on cars just yet. I can see the benefits to some of it but it's a dangerous crutch people rely too heavily on.

 

[burlyjack]

Think it just a size thing. They always light up when I get near the back of the cars.

I'm sure there are many factors to it such as speed, lane position angles etc. There are times when they light up at what I assume is a proper distance and then there are times they don't light up at all.

 

[AmpdMoto]

Those systems statistically have been a good addition in that they have minimized blind spot collisions. However, the people that are bad drivers are still bad drivers and if they have a habit of not paying attention then PSA videos and sensors won't change that.

Only thing we can do is ride on the defensive and make smart decisions when it comes to putting yourself at the best place to be seen or have an escape route.

Bad drivers would still exist even if the car yelled at them that there was a bike back there.

 

[scooterwuf]

I'd have confidence in their detection system if it works on cyclist. If it can detect a moving mass that small, or narrow, then hopefully it'll detect any kind of 2-wheeler.

Bikes have problems with stoplight ground sensors picking them up too. I once pulled into the drive through at a Sonics restaurant and no one knew I was there, even after screaming at their menu board and honking the horn. Had to park my bike and walk into the place. Companies aren't designing with 2-wheelers in mind.

- Wuf

 

[burlyjack]

I'd have confidence in their detection system if it works on cyclist. If it can detect a moving mass that small, or narrow, then hopefully it'll detect any kind of 2-wheeler.

Bikes have problems with stoplight ground sensors picking them up too. I once pulled into the drive through at a Sonics restaurant and no one knew I was there, even after screaming at their menu board and honking the horn. Had to park my bike and walk into the place. Companies aren't designing with 2-wheelers in mind.

- Wuf

Lol! I would have liked to see that

 

[burlyjack]

Those systems statistically have been a good addition in that they have minimized blind spot collisions. However, the people that are bad drivers are still bad drivers and if they have a habit of not paying attention then PSA videos and sensors won't change that.

Only thing we can do is ride on the defensive and make smart decisions when it comes to putting yourself at the best place to be seen or have an escape route.

Bad drivers would still exist even if the car yelled at them that there was a bike back there.

Yep, I'm glad this tech is improving but I would still like to see it more improved towards motorcyclists and bicyclists. As perfect as us motorcyclists are we may still make a mistake from time to time .
It would just be nice to have that added later of security knowing those systems are more accurate at detecting us. We can't see everything and we don't know what that person is thinking or doing. And yes I know that's why it is very important to always be on your toes

 

[SighBored]

I would not trust the system or the driver sensing that I'm there, either keep a good distance behind the vehicle, or leave the vehicle behind if you're in front if possible. Never be too close or pass/overtake slowly, it's a bad spot to be in.

 

[scooterwuf]

It's always a good thing to be aware and know when you're in someone's blind spot. Unless I'm riding under 30 I try to avoid lateral riding with another vehicle.

- Wuf