What Are a Truck Driver's Blind Spots?

A truck driver’s blind spots are areas where they cannot easily see what is within those areas. These are areas called no-zones. A truck driver’s blind spots typically include the area immediately in front and behind the vehicle, as well as areas along the sides. The right-side and rear zones are the largest. If a car is in one of these areas, the truck driver is unlikely to see it, increasing the risk of an accident. Speak with a Lexington truck accident lawyer about your case today during a free case evaluation.

Where the Largest Blind Spots Are on a Truck

Truck drivers must use every tool they can to check where pedestrians and other drivers are on the road with them. However, there are four specific areas that are uniquely more complex due to the angles and size of the truck. Those include:

• Front: The front blind spot extends about 20 feet directly in front of the cab. This is the area located right at the front of the vehicle. The high seating position of the driver, long hood, and overall height of the area make it hard for a truck driver to see a vehicle in these areas.
• Rear: The space immediately behind the truck is another blind spot. This exists as much as 200 feet behind the trailer. Commercial trucks don’t have a rearview mirror. As a result, there is very limited visibility right behind the truck.
• Left side: The left side blind spot runs along the driver’s side of the truck. It starts at about the cab door and runs towards the back of the vehicle to about the middle of the trailer. The positioning of mirrors can make that a common concern.
• Right side: The right side of the truck is the biggest factor in risks to others. This is the most dangerous area. It extends from two or three lanes outward and runs the entire length of the truck.

Because of these blind spots, it is always important for drivers to be aware of their own position and move out of the way of cars when possible. Truck drivers are still responsible for accidents that occur in these areas.

See How Our Lexington Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help Your Recovery

Get a Free Consultation

What to Do to Prevent Blind Spot Accidents?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides specific tips to help other drivers remain safe when sharing the road with a large semi truck. To avoid these truck or car accidents, focus on the following:

• Know where you are in relation to the driver’s line of sight. Stay in that area and out of blind spots.
• Consider that the cab of a truck and the trailer of a truck will turn at different positions. That means you should not move into the space between the driver and the curb if that truck driver is making a turn.
• Avoid cutting into the space. It takes trucks up to 40% longer to stop their vehicle than a car. If you fail to give them enough distance, that can increase the risk of being in an accident.
• Give trucks a big radius for turns. They need as much as 55 feet to turn safely. Stay back longer.

Assume risks exist when traveling with trucks. That helps you avoid negative outcomes.

Seek Legal Action When You Are Hurt

Truck driver blind spots are dangerous areas you want to avoid. If you are in these areas, move out as quickly as you can. If you are injured, consult an experienced personal injury attorney for guidance.