Blind Spots: What a Truck Driver Can't See

A life-size truck outline is drawn on the ground, and one student plays the driver standing up high, looking only ahead and through two mirrors. Classmates spread out around it and discover where they are invisible, so they understand why pedestrians and cyclists should never sit beside a large vehicle that is turning.

How to play

1. Three groups chalk an 8 x 33-foot outline with the cab marked and place a gym bench at the driver's position (4 min).
2. The driver stands on the bench looking ahead and through two mirrors held by classmates at the "windows"; the rest stand at twelve marked spots around it, and the driver says "I see you" or "I don't see you" (8 min).
3. Spots where nobody was seen are marked with cones, forming the blind-spot map; rotate drivers (4 min).
4. Right-turn simulation: a cyclist stands to the right of the cab, and the group checks the moment they disappear from view (4 min).
5. Wrap-up: each student writes three personal rules on the sheet for walking or riding near trucks and buses (5 min).

Rules

• The bench sits on flat, stable ground, and the driver stands still on it, no jumping.
• A classmate stands next to the bench as a spotter when the driver steps up and down.
• Nobody runs inside the outline; change positions by walking.
• Handle the mirrors carefully and return them at the end.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays the driver seated on a stable raised chair, or records the map.
• Visual impairment: takes part as a "cyclist," and a partner describes the map through touch-based positions.
• Fear of heights: plays the driver sitting on the bench instead of standing.

Learning goals

• Identify the zones with no visibility around a large vehicle.
• Adopt preventive behaviors as a pedestrian and cyclist.
• Connect risk perception to decisions in real traffic.

Equipment for a class of 25

• chalk: 4
• cones: 36
• gym bench: 3
• hand mirrors: 6
• worksheets: 30

Teacher tip

Some city bus services or local police departments bring a real vehicle to schools for this demo; ask well in advance. Mirrors can come from the art room or from families.

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