A guide for motorcyclists riding with heavy vehicles and cars

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable road users – their smaller size and lack of protective structure means they need to be especially vigilant around trucks and cars.

Key Hazards for Motorcyclists

Blind Spots

Heavy vehicles and cars have significant blind spots that can easily conceal a motorcycle. For trucks, these blind spots are particularly extensive:

• Directly in front of the cab
• Along both sides of the truck and trailer
• Immediately behind the trailer (or behind the truck if it’s a rigid truck)
• Close to the passenger side of the cab

Cars also have blind spots in their rear quarters, which are large enough to completely hide a motorcycle; a phenomenon caused by prevailing fashion and the requirement for crash protection meaning thick rear pillars. When travelling in these zones, motorcyclists are effectively invisible to other drivers.

Wind Effects

Large vehicles create significant air turbulence, which can destabilise motorcycles. This is particularly hazardous when:

• Being overtaken by trucks on motorways
• Passing trucks in opposite directions on open roads
• Riding close behind large vehicles
• Operating in strong crosswinds combined with vehicle turbulence.

There are also wind hazards on exposed structures (e.g. the Auckland Harbour Bridge), and when you ride out of a large vehicle’s wind shadow.

Surface Hazards

Heavy vehicles can create or expose surface hazards including:

• Diesel or oil spills, particularly near intersections
• Debris thrown up from their wheels
• Deep wheel ruts on unsealed roads
• Standing water during wet conditions

Reduced Visibility

Motorcyclists often struggle with restricted vision when:

• Following large vehicles
• Approaching intersections behind large vehicles
• Operating in spray thrown up by trucks in wet conditions

Risk Reduction Strategies

Position for Visibility

Motorcyclists should:

• Maintain positions where they can be seen in other drivers’ mirrors
• Avoid travelling in blind spots
• Position themselves to maximize their view ahead
• Leave larger following distances behind trucks to improve forward visibility
• Consider a position slightly offset from the centre of their lane to increase visibility to others

Space Management

Creating and maintaining space cushions is crucial:

• Apply the 4-second following rule behind heavy vehicles (double the standard 2-second rule)
• Allow extra space when being overtaken by large vehicles
• Give additional room when passing parked vehicles
• Create escape routes in traffic
• Leave extra space at intersections

Observation Techniques

Effective observation is vital:

• Scan 12 seconds ahead to anticipate hazards
• Check mirrors frequently
• Monitor vehicle movements and driver indicators
• Watch for signs of vehicle instability or unusual movement
• Be aware of conditions that might affect truck behaviour (strong winds, road camber)

Communication

Make yourself visible and your intentions clear:

• Use signals early and consistently
• Position yourself to be visible in mirrors
• Consider using your headlight during daylight hours
• Avoid sitting in positions where you can’t be seen
• Make eye contact with drivers where possible

Overtaking Safely

When passing larger vehicles:

• Ensure at least 100m of clear road ahead
• Complete the manoeuvre promptly but without excessive speed
• Watch for signs the vehicle might turn or change lanes (watch for trucks taking a wide line into driveways)
• Be prepared for air turbulence when passing
• Maintain steady speed and course while passing

Planning Ahead

Anticipation is key to safety:

• Read the road ahead for potential hazards
• Watch for signs indicating heavy vehicle movements
• Consider likely actions of other road users
• Plan overtaking manoeuvres well in advance
• Be prepared to adjust plans if conditions change

Professional driver training emphasises that vulnerability can be offset by skill, awareness and good judgment. While motorcyclists face unique challenges around larger vehicles, these risks can be effectively managed through proper observation, positioning and anticipation.

By understanding these hazards and consistently applying appropriate risk reduction strategies, motorcyclists can significantly improve their safety when sharing the road with larger vehicles. The key is remaining alert, visible and maintaining space cushions that allow time to react to changing situations.