Sharing the road with large trucks and commercial vehicles can be dangerous if you don’t understand their unique blind spots and no-zones. These large vehicles have much bigger blind spots than standard passenger vehicles. It’s important for all drivers to be aware of these blind spots and drive accordingly. This article will explain what blind spots and no-zones are on large trucks and how you can safely share the road with them.
What are Blind Spots and No-Zones?
Blind spots, or no-zones as they are sometimes called, are areas around a vehicle where the driver’s view is obstructed. In a passenger car, blind spots are relatively small and limited to the rear corners and sides of the vehicle. But for commercial trucks and buses, these blind spots are much more extensive.
Trucks have large no-zones on all four sides of the vehicle as well as in the front and back. These are areas where passing cars “disappear” from the truck driver’s view. If another vehicle is driving in one of these no-zones, the truck driver cannot see them.
Why Commercial Vehicles Have Large Blind Spots
There are a few key reasons why large trucks and buses have such expansive blind spots compared to regular cars:
- Height – Because trucks sit so much higher than passenger vehicles, there is a blind spot that starts from the height of the truck cab and goes down the sides and front. Vehicles driving in this area are difficult to see from the truck cab.
- Length – The extreme length of most tractor-trailers creates massive blind spots behind them that stretch for hundreds of feet. Vehicles following too closely can disappear into this no-zone.
- Width – Wide loads on commercial vehicles block side views, creating large blind spots on both sides of the truck. Oversized RVs also have a similar problem.
- Design – Trucks have more blind spots by design since their cab sits above and behind the engine and large cargo areas in the rear block visibility. Side mirrors still leave significant blind spots.
- Speed Differentials – The speed difference between large trucks and smaller passenger vehicles makes judging distance and reacting even more difficult for truck drivers.
The Dangers of Truck and Bus Blind Spots
Driving in one of the large blind spots or no-zones around a commercial vehicle is extremely dangerous. Truck drivers simply cannot see vehicles that drive into these blind spot areas.
Some common accidents that occur from blind spot issues include:
- Lane change accidents – A truck changes lanes and crashes into a vehicle driving in their blind spot.
- Turn & intersection crashes – A truck turns and collides with a vehicle they couldn’t see beside or behind them.
- Rear collisions – Vehicles following too closely get rear-ended when trucks brake.
- Sideswipes – A vehicle tries passing a truck and sideswipes them.
- Rollovers – Trying to avoid a car in their blind spot causes the truck to swerve or rollover.
These types of blind spot accidents with commercial vehicles often lead to catastrophic injuries or death due to the massive size disparity. Smaller vehicles are no match for a 20-80,000 pound truck.
Where are the Blind Spots on Large Trucks?
Now that you understand the dangers of truck and bus blind spots, it’s critical to learn where these no-zones are so you can avoid them while driving. Here are the most common blind spots:
Front
There is a sizable blind spot in front of the truck that starts at the height of the cab and extends for 20-50 feet in front of the grille. Small vehicles driving in this area are incredibly hard to see and avoid collisions.
Sides
The sides of trucks have large blind spots that extend for several feet starting from the height of the cab. This area alongside the truck is obstructed by the load. Another blind spot starts behind the cab by the trailer.
Rear
A massive blind spot area extends for up to 400 feet behind the truck depending on its length. Vehicles following too closely often get rear-ended when trucks suddenly brake. Slow acceleration of trucks means vehicles can linger in this long rear blind spot.
Corners
The front corners of trucks have a particularly dangerous blind spot due to wide turns. A car can pull up on the side of a truck and get crushed when the truck starts making a wide turn.
Tips for Driving Safely Around Large Trucks and Buses
Here are some key tips all drivers should keep in mind to avoid accidents in truck and bus blind spots and no-zones:
- Don’t linger – Avoid driving alongside commercial vehicles in their blind spots for extended periods. Either pass them fully or drop back.
- No tailgating – Leave plenty of following distance, at least 4+ seconds. That way, if the truck brakes suddenly, you have time to react.
- Pass with care – When passing a truck, do it quickly and allow lots of clearance when pulling back in front. Don’t cut it close.
- Give space – Provide trucks with lots of space for turns, especially right turns. Never try squeezing by on the right.
- Limit distractions – Avoid distractions when driving near large vehicles. Stay alert in case they make sudden moves.
- Be visible – Make your vehicle as visible as possible to truckers. Use lights, signals, and horns to announce your presence.
- Plan ahead – Anticipate potential issues when driving near trucks and give yourself extra stopping room.
- Be patient – Understand trucks are slow to accelerate and make wide turns. Don’t make risky moves out of impatience.
Legal Assistance After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by blind spots or other negligence, contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys for a free consultation at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946). Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the complex legal issues surrounding commercial vehicle crashes. A Reno commercial truck accident attorney can help you determine if the truck driver, their employer, or another party was at fault and should be held accountable. Call today to talk to a commercial truck accident lawyer Reno and get started with a free, no-risk case review.
