When is it crucial for motorcycle riders to check their blind spots?

Checking blind spots is vital for motorcycle riders before changing lanes or merging because these maneuvers involve significant alterations in the vehicle's position within the traffic flow. Motorcycles, due to their smaller size, can often be overlooked by other drivers, leading to potential collisions if the rider is not aware of surrounding vehicles.

When preparing to change lanes or merge, riders must ensure that there is no vehicle in their blind spot, which is the area not visible in their mirrors. This practice helps to maintain safety on the road and ensures that the rider can execute the maneuver without putting themselves or others at risk. By being diligent in checking blind spots, riders can avoid dangerous situations that can arise from unseen vehicles.

In contrast, checking blind spots is less critical when stopping at a red light, riding in a straight line, or during a turn, as these situations do not require the same degree of positional awareness in relation to other vehicles on the road as changing lanes or merging does.