Blind spots are an area of concern for any type of motor vehicle, but they are an even greater area of concern for truck accidents. Known as “no-zones,” the blind spots of trucks are much larger than those of any other SUV or passenger vehicle, which greatly increases the chances of a blind spot accident occurring. In this article, we will explore what these “no-zones” of trucks are and how to avoid them.
Front “No-Zone”
Trucks have four different “no-zones,” the first one of which is found at the front of the truck and extends 20 feet ahead. Since trucks are much higher off the ground than the average motor vehicle, it can be easy for truck drivers to miss a vehicle that is following closely in front of them.
If you are merging in front of a truck, be sure to give yourself ample distance between your vehicle and the truck, as failure to do so is likely to result in a catastrophic rear-end collision. This is particularly important since trucks take about 40% longer to come to a complete stop due to their weight and size.
Right “No-Zone”
The next “no-zone” of a truck is found on the right-hand side of trucks and it is considered to be the most dangerous zone. It is considered to be the most dangerous because it is much larger than the other zones, stretching from the whole length of the truck and two to three lanes over. Although trucks come equipped with large side mirrors, since truck drivers sit on the left side, they are limited in their visibility on the right-hand side. If possible, avoid driving on the right side of a truck.
Left “No-Zone”
Another “no-zone” that trucks have is found on the left-hand side of the vehicle. Since the driver is seated on the left-hand side of a truck, they have more visibility on this side than they do on the right side. The left side blind spot extends about one lane over, but it is nonetheless still important to try and avoid driving on the left of a truck as you may be easily missed.
Rear “No-Zone”
The final “no-zone” of a truck is found directly behind the truck and extends approximately 30 feet. Tailgating a truck is never a good idea because if they come to an abrupt stop, you will have little time to react and a severe crash will likely ensue. In addition, driving closely behind a truck will block your visibility of what is occurring on the road, which is incredibly dangerous. Keep in mind that if you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirrors, they will not be able to see you either.
Heightened Risk of Truck Accidents
As you can see, driving in the blind spots of trucks can be incredibly dangerous and you should do your best to avoid them at all costs. Failure to do so is very likely to result in a serious accident which can have life-altering implications due to the gross weight and size of trucks.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is imperative that you contact a San Antonio 18-wheeler accident lawyer to learn about your legal options and how to recover compensation. The experience of an attorney is vital in truck accident claims as liability is particularly complex when it comes to trucks. Remember, next time you are driving near a truck, avoid riding in their “no-zones.”
