Blind spots are the places around a vehicle that the driver simply cannot see; on a semi-truck, they present unique risks that everyone on the road should be aware of. Unlike smaller passenger vehicles, a semi-truck’s results in significant blind spots, where vehicles can pretty much vanish from the driver’s view for much longer than you might expect.
These areas make merging, turning, and changing lanes extremely dangerous, as motorists often don’t realize just how extensive these blind zones really are around a commercial truck. As a result, errors or simple miscalculations in or near truck blind spots are linked to some very severe accidents.
Contact a truck accident attorney in St. Louis by calling (314) 300-6260 today.
Understanding Semi-Truck Blind Spots
Semi-trucks have larger blind spots, known as “No Zones,” because of the length and height of both the cab and trailer. Knowing exactly where these spots are and how to avoid lingering in them is essential for your safety. There are four main blind spots drivers and other motorists should be aware of:
The Front Blind Spot
A surprisingly large area extends directly in front of the truck cab. Truck drivers’ elevated seating keeps much of what sits close to their grille completely out of view. When a passenger car cuts in closely after passing, it can be lost beneath this front blind spot, especially at red lights or in stop-and-go traffic.
The Rear Blind Spot
The area immediately behind a semi-trailer is not visible to the driver in any side mirror or through the trailer itself. This means vehicles traveling behind a truck may not be seen when the truck changes lanes or has to brake suddenly, so always keep your distance and don’t assume that a driver knows you are directly behind them.
The Left-Side Blind Spot
Although truckers expect better visibility on the left, there are still gaps immediately adjacent to the driver’s side that fall outside of their mirrors. Cars or motorcycles passing slowly through this area can be completely invisible to the truck driver.
The Right-Side Blind Spot
The passenger-side blind spot is significantly larger than the blind spots found on passenger vehicles. A driver may be unable to see vehicles traveling beside the trailer, creating a substantial risk of sideswipe and merging accidents. Motorists who linger in this area face an increased danger of being struck when a truck changes lanes, merges, or executes a wide right turn.
Staying alert when driving near large trucks, avoiding long periods in these no-zones, and giving truck drivers as much space as possible can help you stay safer on the road.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Blind Spot Accidents
Understanding why semi-truck blind spot accidents happen is essential for both truck drivers and other motor vehicle operators. Many of these crashes are preventable and result from a combination of issues. Some common causes include:
Other Vehicles Lingering in Blind Spots
A main cause of blind spot accidents is when passenger cars, motorcycles, or even other trucks travel for extended periods in zones where the truck driver can’t see them. Motorists may assume the driver is aware of their presence, which creates a false sense of security during lane changes or turns.
Truck Drivers Changing Lanes Without Proper Checks
Even with large mirrors, some truck drivers occasionally neglect to check or properly estimate their blind spots before merging or switching lanes. Failure to use signals or perform thorough mirror checks increases the likelihood that a vehicle in a blind spot will be struck.
Abrupt Driver Maneuvers
Both truckers and other drivers can contribute through sudden lane changes, braking, or swerving without confirming the lane is clear. These situations can easily lead to accidents.
Difficulty in Bad Weather or Low Light
Rain, fog, and darkness make detecting vehicles in any blind spot even harder for semi-truck drivers. Limited visibility extends the no-zone, causing already difficult spaces to become more dangerous.
Large trucks require more space and more time to maneuver than smaller cars. Taking simple precautions helps reduce these devastating crashes.
What To Do When a Truck Driver’s Negligence Causes an Accident
If you’ve been involved in a crash because a truck driver failed to check their blind spots or acted carelessly behind the wheel, it’s important to take action quickly. Always call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive and create an accident report. Seek medical attention to make sure your injuries are taken care of and there’s a record of the accident and how it caused you harm.
One of the best things you can do after this is reach out to a St. Louis injury lawyer who can help you investigate the case and determine who was liable.
Call our team today if you’re ready to get started and schedule a free consultation.