Vehicle blind spots

For primary school levels:

  • P5
  • P6
  • P7

Drivers can't always see you, even if you think they can

Learn about which specific areas create blind spots for drivers from inside their vehicles, and how to position yourself so you can be safely seen.

 

Please view this content in landscape mode.

Vehicle designs mean drivers can’t always see everything through their windows or in their mirrors.

These areas are called ‘blind spots’. Here, pedestrians, bikes and vehicles can be in danger.

There are four main areas that drivers can’t see you…

To side of right mirror
Directly behind bus
Directly in front of bus
To side of left mirror

It will take 12m to stop

Can you see the blind spots shown in red?

Can the bus driver see the pedestrian?

Yes, or no?

Can the bus driver see the pedestrian?

Yes, or no?

Can the bus driver see the cyclist?

Yes, or no?

Can the bus driver see the motorbike?

Yes, or no?

These are the correct answers!

How many did you get right?

No, Can't see!

Yes, Can see.

Yes, Can see.

No, Can't see!

Try again Choose next mission

Notes for Educators

  • Using a hand-held mirror in the classroom or playground, let your children explore what they can see behind or to the side of them.
  • Then, holding the mirror in a position similar to a car’s side mirror, have another child walk towards them from behind until they enter the ‘blind spot’ and seem to disappear then reappear as they move forwards.
  • Homework: encourage your children to consider the driver’s viewpoint the next time they’re in a car or on a bus. They can ask whoever is driving about what they can and can’t see?
  • They can take notes and discuss back in class or at home. You can ask:
    • Were there any blind spots? When a pedestrian was crossing, could they be seen? Was there a cyclist nearby? Could they be seen?
    • How can you tell if you’re in a blind spot? Consider if you’re in one of the red zones shown earlier? Check if you can see the driver’s eyes?

Curriculum for Excellence associated Experiences and Outcomes

I know and can demonstrate how to keep myself and others safe and how to respond in a range of emergency situations. HWB 2-17a

I know and can demonstrate how to travel safely. HWB 2-18a

Back to top