Semi-Truck Blind Spots: Some Important Information Every Road User Should Have

When you’re driving or riding in a vehicle on the highway, it’s only natural that you will feel nervous when you come across a semi-truck. In 2019 alone, 4,119 individuals died in large truck accidents; therefore, feeling nervous when you come across a semi-truck is completely understandable. Often, the people who lose their lives in truck accidents are occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles. 67% of the people that died in 2019 in large truck accidents were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles.

Semi-truck accidents can occur for many reasons, but many of these accidents happen because individuals who share the road with semi-trucks either do not know about or do not mind semi-truck blind spots. As a road user who shares the roads with semi-trucks, you must remember that blind spots are a serious problem on the road.

In this article, we share some important information about semi-truck blind spots. Read on!

What Are Semi-Truck Blind Spots?

Those areas around a semi-truck where the truck driver’s vision is restricted are known as “blind spots.” Usually, semi-truck blind spots are a result of the length and height of semi-trucks. Additionally, the design of the dashboard and windshield contribute to blind spots.

When you find yourself near a semi-truck, avoid the following semi-truck blind spots, also known as “no-zones.”

No-Zone in the Front

First, avoid the no-zone in the front. Because semi-truck drivers sit much higher than other vehicle drivers do, they cannot see the cars right in front of them.

No-Zone on the Right Side

Second, avoid the no-zone on the right side, which is the area behind the truck’s cab on the right. Because semi-truck drivers sit on the left side of their trucks, the no-zone on the right side is usually quite big. It is recommended that you stay not less than one car length away from a truck’s back area when driving on a highway with several lanes.

No-Zone on the Left Side

Third, avoid the no-zone on the left side, which is the area behind the truck’s cab on the left. Even though the no-zone on the left side is around half the size of the no-zone on the right side, it is recommended that you leave at least one car length from the truck’s back areas.

No Zone on the Back Side

Lastly, avoid the no-zone on the backside of semi-trucks. Semi-truck cabs do not have rear-view mirrors; therefore, it is hard for semi-truck drivers to see if other drivers are following them too closely.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney from Fort Lauderdale

If, even after avoiding a truck’s blind spots, you find yourself injured in a semi-truck accident because of another party’s negligence, reach out to an attorney immediately. Truck accidents can be complex, so make sure to hire a skilled attorney. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you hold an at-fault party liable for your semi-truck accident and obtain compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Tampa, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Ocala, and Orlando areas.

Resource:

iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks