Rear view blindspots. How do you cope with them?

[nathanwhite]

That is interesting info - suggests exactly the same problem as the TV camera.
Question: Are you looking rearward via a series of mirrors, or are you looking at a projected image located near the helmet apex?
If these helmets use the latter then I suggest that they would not be satisfactory.
I am going to make a point of looking for one.

(Added later by edit): http://www.reevu.com/faq.asp
Suggests bending of light - not an image - still unsure about refocussing issue though.
The revue suggests that the helmet needs to be adjusted for the wearer, and then takes a bit of getting used to.
Further comment here would seem to be in order.

The mirror that needs to be adjusted was (for me anyway) right at the top of my possible field of view. This is why it took so long to focus, I was having to look up, then up some more and trying to focus on that.


This seems like quite a good idea.

[Bassmatt]

Undoubtedly, without knowing what is behind you, there's no chance of avoiding getting run into the back of

Ahh but if the driver of vehicle behind you wasn't constantly scanning his mirrors he would have taken note of the vehicle in front of him and stopped in time.

[f2dz]

As others have said, bar end mirrors are the way to go. I'd have them if I didn't commute on my bike and filter through traffic. I just tuck my elbow in every so often to see behind.

[bogan]

Ahh but if the driver of vehicle behind you wasn't constantly scanning his mirrors he would have taken note of the vehicle in front of him and stopped in time.

Who's more dependable? yourself, or some bloke with an eye infection named Keith?

[ducatilover]

I think I am one of those pathetic riders that often rides within the speed limit.
(The law does not always think I am really good at this by the way.)
Anyway I am often interested in the cars that come up behind me doing 50kph more than I am & looking for an easy overtake. If they don't quite clear me, or hit something head on it might spoil my day too.

I also get quite nervous about cage drivers who are trying to collect a live rear tyre impression at 90 kph plus. 4WDs with Bullbars scare me particulalry, but then I have already admitted to being a bit wimpy.

There is this gloriously simple solution whilst on your ZZR1100, the black twisty turny thingy your right wrist clamps on to, turn it a little bit, this will stop people coming up behind you.

Disclaimer: Not my fault/problem if you do so and slam in to a RAV4, or get a speeding ticket.

Who's more dependable? yourself, or some bloke with an eye infection named Keith?

Probably the guy with the eye infection?

I find checking over the shoulder can work quite well
And being on such a small vehicle it doesn't take much of a turn of the head to see what's behind.
(except I'm blind, so I'll get run over anyway)

[Gremlin]

Part of advanced roadcraft is knowing your bike and it's blindspots, how large they are, and when changing lane, turning etc, you are doing a headcheck of the blindspot to make sure it is safe before moving.

In the bigger picture, it's situational awareness of everything going on around you. I see advanced roadcraft as also accounting for the stupidity/carelessness of other road users. Doesn't matter if you're in the right but sitting in hospital bandaged up... Ergo, while the car is behind me, he can still crash into me so I'm doing my best to control how close he gets to me, and previously I have dived to one side of the lane on the motorway when the car behind did not stop in time. He used the gap between us, my space and my gap to the car in front to stop, but because I was to one side, I was Ok (while slightly )

To answer your original question:
- Yes, a bulky jacket would encroach on your mirror view, depending on bike, but you should adjust the mirrors to compensate. I consider this but take no action
- Never used bar end mirrors. Both my bikes have wide bars which assist in rearview mirror placement and compensates for my size. I'm also anal about having the mirrors correctly adjusted. I hate not being able to see correctly.
- Yes, part of the IAM approach is headchecks. It's part of my riding.
- Positioning is a key part of IAM, so yes, I'm constantly putting my bike in the best positioning to maximise safety and visibility.
- Yep, blind spot is always considered, even if not changing lane. Often while I can't see a car, I know a car is there, or a headcheck confirms it's still there. You should also be considering the cars around you and whether you're in their blind spot.
- Spacing bars? I think people should adjust their mirrors correctly for their riding position and be aware of the limitations of their mirrors.
- I don't think it's just big cities, anywhere with traffic has the increased potential for cars all around and therefore in your blind spot. Countryside, obviously less chance of a car sitting in your blind spot, but you still check.
- Yep, considered it, taken it into account and adjusted my riding.

IAM has been very useful for tidying up my riding, making it more precise etc.

[Bassmatt]

Who's more dependable? yourself, or some bloke with an eye infection named Keith?

Can't depend on Keith, he spends too much time looking in his fucken mirrors.

[bogan]

Can't depend on Keith, he spends too much time looking in his fucken mirrors.

Exactly, so you should keep an eye on your own just in case. And by the way, its pretty easy to check whats in front of you first, to ensure you won't drive into them while checking your mirrors.

[sootie]

In the bigger picture, it's situational awareness of everything going on around you.

I think this is a pretty good way to recognise & look at the the present reality, and it is what I try to do.
I am therefore aware that my rear vision is not ideal, and I would like to improve it.

Maybe getting perfect rear vision on a bike is a bit like the ability to levitate heavy objects at will.
It would be a fabulous thing to achieve, but I have no idea how to do it!
Weaving can help as already stated.

Headchecks are a must for checking alongside particularly when pulling out.
I am not very keen on them for a look directly astern - especially while following.

[Blackbird]

+1 with Gremlin - mirrors are important but no matter how they're positioned, there will still be blind spots and the only totally safe option is a shoulder check or full lifesaver depending on the situation. It's not a big deal because if you constantly practice, it becomes totally ingrained in your riding. I'm a member of IAM with Gremlin. Thought I was an ok rider until I joined IAM, only to find out that I was pretty crap. Initially tough on the ego, but outstanding in terms of results.

[Fast Eddie]

Clutch it up, will be easy to see then.

yut UURRRGGGHHH

always clutch it up when I wanna check the road behind and below me. works everytime

[Fast Eddie]

f*ck, you've all got it wrong, checking your mirrors and looking behind you.. what a waste of time



first rule: whats behind me is not important!

[ducatilover]

yut UURRRGGGHHH

always clutch it up when I wanna check the road behind and below me. works everytime

I do it when I want to see sexy nurses.

[sootie]

f*ck, you've all got it wrong, checking your mirrors and looking behind you.. what a waste of time

yut UURRRGGGHHH
always clutch it up when I wanna check the road behind and below me. works everytime

If you are this confused, it probably doesn't matter much.
What are you going for? (Burial or Cremation?)

[Daffyd]

I'd guess because it wasn't the mirror image that your brain is programmed to expect to see.

The rear view/reversing camera in my motorhome can be changed fro direct view to mirror image with the press of a button. Is this not standard?