Trucks’ blind spots a problem

At least seven cyclists have died since 2013 in Montreal in accidents involving a truck. The latest victim, Meryem Anoun, was struck by a dump truck on the corner of Bélanger St. and 6th Ave. last week.

Because of their size and width, trucks have blind spots in front, on the sides and behind them. These blind spots are also referred to as no-zones, because when someone is in those zones, the truck driver can no longer see him or her. In 2015, a survey by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) found that 62 per cent of people didn’t know where a truck’s blind spots were.

When a pedestrian walks in front of a truck at an intersection, the truck driver loses sight of the pedestrian the moment he or she is in front of the truck. Similarly when cyclists turn in the same direction as the truck, the truck driver loses sight of the cyclist the moment he or she is no longer visible in the rear view mirror.

However, it’s not easy to stay out of a truck’s blind spots. Maxime Denoncourt is a Montrealer and an avid cyclist. He said he believes “painting lines” on streets to indicate bike lanes isn’t enough to ensure cyclist safety, especially next to trucks.

“Big trucks are so dangerous,” he said. “They usually approach the idea with ‘we can’t see you so stay away.’ ... They’re made for highways. Why do we accept trucks that have so many blind spots in very dynamic environments?”

Here are some safety tips from the SAAQ for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as truck drivers:

PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS

Learn more about a truck’s blind spots

Always assume the driver of the truck has not seen you

Keep an eye on vehicles’ turn signals

Make sure to wear bright-coloured clothing to increase visibility

TRUCK DRIVERS

Be aware of your surroundings

Don’t make assumptions about where pedestrians or cyclists will go

Make sure rear view mirrors are clean and in good condition

All lights should remain on to increase visibility

Use turn signals at intersections