Large trucks have much bigger blind spots than regular vehicles. These blind spots, also called “no-zones,” are areas where the truck driver cannot see other vehicles.
If you are driving near a truck, avoiding these blind spots can help prevent accidents. Here are some important factors to keep in mind.
Blind spots to be aware of
A truck has four major blind spots:
- In front of the truck: Large trucks sit high off the ground, making it hard for drivers to see vehicles directly in front of them.
- Behind the truck: Truck drivers have no rearview mirror, so they cannot see cars directly behind them.
- On the left side: The left-side blind spot extends from the driver’s door to the middle of the trailer.
- On the right side: The right-side blind spot is much larger and runs the length of the truck, making it the most dangerous.
Why are these blind spots dangerous?
Blind spots make it easy for a truck driver to miss a vehicle when changing lanes or making turns. If a car is too close, the truck may not have enough time to stop. Rear-end crashes and side-swipe accidents often happen because drivers do not realize they are in a blind spot.
How to avoid a truck’s blind spots
- Follow at a safe distance: If you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
- Avoid lingering beside a truck: Pass quickly and avoid staying in blind spots.
- Do not cut in front of a truck: Give trucks plenty of space before merging in front of them.
- Be cautious on the side of a truck: Trucks make wide turns, so avoid tight spaces on their side.
Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, you could still end up in a trucking accident. If your accident was caused by negligence on behalf of the truck driver or trucking company, personal injury compensation could be an option.