Even though global technology giants are constantly working to bring autonomous driving to the masses, more needs to be done to introduce auto turn signals in all new cars. In fact, this is a more important safety feature than the auto park assist and all levels of autonomous driving.

Imagine that you are driving along a busy street and you happen to turn left without using your turn signal; a motorcyclist who’s riding on your left blind spot could very well hit your left side.

What’s more, we hear of accidents like these daily and more often than not, it is caused by a driver who forgot to use their turn signals. But of course, let’s not discount the role of some reckless motorcyclists as well.

Many drivers fail to use their turn signals despite driving modern cars that feature blind-spot monitoring systems in their side-view mirrors and even cameras (like with Honda Lanewatch).

These features alert the driver of motorcyclists or vehicles in their blindspot, but sadly, there is no feature to warn motorcyclists.

Autonomous car makers should introduce a feature that allows non-autonomous vehicles to be able to detect a driver’s intention to turn and automatically activate the turn signal. Imagine the amount of accidents that can be prevented.

Until then, motorists (motorcyclists included) can help reduce the risk of a blind spot accidents by exercising a high-level of care and following a few important safety measures:

Tips for drivers

• Adjust your rearview mirror so that the rear window is totally framed.
• Adjust your side-view mirrors so that they point toward the blind spot.
• Look over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• Use your turn signal so that other motorists can anticipate your actions.
• Stay alert and aware of other motorists and motorcyclists that travel in your blind spot.

Tips for motorcyclists

• Ride defensively. Constantly scan the area in front of you, back off to give yourself some extra space and try to anticipate the actions of other motorists.
• Wear brightly colored clothing. Make yourself more visible by wearing bright-colored or fluorescent clothing.
• Keep headlights on. Improve visibility by using your headlights, even when it is daytime and sunny.
• Pass a vehicle quickly. If you have to pass, do so quickly so that you are in a blind spot for as little time as possible.

This article is powered by DS&F. For more automotive updates, follow DS&F on Facebook and Instagram.