A blind spot, or “no-zone,” is an area around a large truck where the truck driver’s view is either limited or completely blocked. These spaces can hide entire cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians from a truck driver’s mirrors. Blind spots are found in different places on all trucks, but they are especially big and dangerous on semis, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles.
When other drivers aren’t aware of these no-zones, or if they linger in them too long, accidents are far more likely to happen. That’s why it’s so important for both truckers and other drivers on the road to learn where these risky spots are and how to avoid spending time in them.
Contact a St. Louis truck accident attorney today to pursue compensation.
Front No-Zone (Directly In Front of the Cab)
The front blind spot extends about 20 feet from the truck’s front bumper forward. Because commercial trucks have a high, flat-nosed cab, drivers cannot see anything close in front of them, including smaller cars and pedestrians.
When motorists cut in right after passing or crossing a truck, they may end up in this unseen area. This is especially dangerous if the truck has to stop suddenly, because it can’t slow down as fast as a smaller car.
Right-Side No-Zone (Largest)
The biggest blind spot for any semi-truck runs along the right side, and it’s much larger than you might think. This no-zone often spans the length of the entire trailer and may stretch out over one or two lanes to the right.
Cars and motorcycles are most at risk here, especially when a truck is merging onto a highway, shifting lanes, or preparing for a wide right turn. During right turns, the trailer can swing away from its expected path, and vehicles stuck in this zone could get sideswiped or forced off the road entirely.
Left-Side No-Zone
While not as wide as the right-side blind spot, the left no-zone still covers a significant distance, running straight back from the driver’s door and typically covering one lane next to the trailer. Truckers have a slightly better view from this side mirror, but smaller vehicles right beside or just behind the cab are often still hidden during lane changes or highway driving.
Rear No-Zone (Directly Behind the Trailer)
Directly behind a truck’s trailer is another major blind spot that can run 30 feet or more. There is no rearview mirror, and even advanced camera systems have limits, so it’s almost impossible for truck drivers to see exactly what’s behind them. If a car, SUV, or motorcycle gets too close, they might be totally invisible to the trucker — contact a motorcycle lawyer in St. Louis today as they are the most susceptible to a truck’s blindspot.
If you can’t see the trucker’s side mirrors, it’s safest to assume they can’t see you either. Give extra space or safely speed up to leave the no-zone whenever you share the road with big trucks.
How to Avoid a Truck’s Blind Spots
Sharing the road with large trucks takes extra care and awareness. Knowing how to avoid their blind spots can protect you and your passengers from serious accidents and costly mistakes on Missouri’s highways and city streets.
Pass on the Left, Don’t Hover Beside the Trailer
When you need to pass a truck, always do so on the left side. The left-side no-zone is smaller and drivers have better visibility from their seat. Move past quickly and don’t stay beside the truck. Hovering next to a trailer, especially on the right, makes it harder for the trucker to notice you.
Leave Extra Space Before Merging in Front
Avoid cutting right in front of a semi-truck after passing. Give yourself at least 20 feet when merging back into their lane. This gap makes sure the truck driver sees you and the vehicle has enough stopping distance.
Give Trucks Room to Turn
Never try to sneak between a truck and the curb when the truck is making a right turn. Semis need much more space, and the “squeeze zone” can trap smaller vehicles. Stay back and always let the truck finish its turn rather than risk being sideswiped or pushed up onto a median.
Make Your Vehicle Visible
Drive with your headlights on, especially in the early morning, at dusk, and during poor weather. When changing lanes near a truck, use turn signals noticeably in advance and avoid sudden or unpredictable moves.
Even if you’re careful, accidents can still happen. If you’ve been hit by a truck, don’t assume you have no case just because blind spots played a role.
Their failure to take these blind spots into consideration can still be considered negligence.
If you have any questions about what to do next or how to recover compensation for your injuries and losses, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.