(Last Updated On: December 7, 2023)
Navigating the roads alongside semi-trucks demands a heightened awareness of their blind spots. These areas, unseen by truck drivers through their mirrors, pose significant dangers to other motorists. 

ATAAAs legal advocates committed to promoting safety on our roads, we recognize the critical importance of understanding and addressing the unique challenges posed by semi-truck blind spots. In this detailed resource, we aim to empower both drivers and industry professionals with essential information to enhance road safety and reduce the risk of accidents involving semi-trucks.

This guide serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of semi-truck blind spots, whether you are a professional driver, a fleet manager, or an individual seeking legal guidance after an unfortunate accident.

Our legal experience extends to matters involving semi-truck accidents, and we understand the intricacies of personal injury claims, insurance disputes, and other legal aspects related to these incidents. Contact us at (877) 591-1801 if you are in need of representation — we’re here to help.

Where Is The Biggest Blind Spot On a Truck?

The largest blind spot on a truck is typically on the right side. It extends along the entire length of the trailer and is particularly pronounced towards the rear of the truck.

The right-side blind spot is more extensive than the left-side blind spot because truck drivers sit on the left side of the vehicle. The driver’s side mirrors offer a better view of the left side, but the right side is more challenging to observe directly. As a result, vehicles traveling on the right side of a truck, especially towards the rear, may be entirely out of the truck driver’s sight.

Here is a breakdown of the primary blind spots around a typical large truck:

  • Front: This is the area directly in front of the truck cab. Because of the truck’s height and the positioning of the driver’s seat, the driver may have difficulty seeing vehicles or obstacles close to the front bumper.
  • Rear: The area directly behind a large truck is another blind spot. Trucks have long trailers, and drivers may not be able to see vehicles directly behind them, especially if they are tailgating.
  • Sides: Trucks have significant blind spots on both sides. These blind spots extend along the entire length of the trailer. Drivers may have difficulty seeing vehicles traveling alongside or immediately behind the cab.

Awareness of these blind spots is crucial for drivers sharing the road with trucks. Maintaining a safe distance and being cautious when passing are essential practices to enhance road safety when driving near large trucks.

Drivers of smaller vehicles sharing the road with trucks should be particularly cautious when traveling in the right-side blind spot. Avoiding lingering in this blind spot and being mindful of the truck driver’s limited visibility can contribute significantly to road safety. 

If you need to pass a truck, it’s advisable to do so on the left side, where the driver has better visibility.

As a law firm dedicated to helping those injured in semi truck accidents, we are committed to shedding light on these blind spots, providing insights into the associated legal implications. Contact us at (877) 591-1801 for practical guidance on how to proceed after a commercial truck accident.

What Are Large Blind Spots on Trucks Called?

In the trucking industry, a large blind spot is often referred to as a “No-Zone.” 

What Is a Truck’s Blind Spot Called? FMCSA Definition

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), No-Zones are areas where cars “disappear” from the view of the truck or bus driver; these places are where crashes are most likely to occur. 

Graphic showing overhead view truck blind spots on front, rear, and sides

What Is a No Zone in Driving, and Does it Cause Accidents? 

Failure to properly check blind spots to the best of their ability is a common factor in many commercial truck accidents. More than 80% of accidents involving a truck are the fault of the non-commercial driver. 

Improperly or negligently setting mirrors or cameras is another contributing element in crashes. In other cases, inadequate training can cause blind spot accidents as well.

What Is a No Zone, and How Can You Avoid It?

The No-Zone program and the American Trucking Association (ATA) offer the following advice to drivers of passenger vehicles:

  • Do not cut in front of trucks or buses. Large commercial vehicles need much more space to stop, and cutting in front of them may not afford them enough time or space to brake. Make sure you can see the whole front end of the truck before pulling back into the lane in front of it.
  • Do not linger along the side of a truck. If you find yourself next to a truck, quickly and safely pass the vehicle, or back off so the driver can see you. A good indication of whether you’re out of the blind spot is if you can see the driver’s face in his/her side mirror.
  • Pass on the left, when possible. Due to the position of the truck driver in the cab, there is a significant semi-truck blind spot on the left side. On the right side, the blind spot runs the length of the truck and extends out three lanes.
  • Stay back – give trucks at least a four-second following distance (this is around 20 to 25 car lengths). Truck drivers cannot see anything close behind the truck, so if you follow too closely, the driver won’t be aware you’re back there. When the trucker isn’t aware of your position and has to make a sudden stop or maneuver, you may rear-end the truck. Additionally, trucks create a lot of wind pressure, which can be dangerous for cars. If you cannot see both mirrors when you are following a truck, then you are too close.
  • More information is also available at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Collisions between a passenger car and a commercial truck can be devastating due to differences in size and weight. They can also involve several complex liability laws and concepts. If you or a loved one have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, you may need to consult with an experienced attorney in your area.

The lawyers at Fried Goldberg understand what you are going through. We have the experience, expertise, and resources needed to help you get the compensation you deserve. We have even written a legal book on truck accident law, which is now considered an authoritative resource by many attorneys.

You don’t need to be on your own if you’ve suffered a truck crash injury. Get in touch with us today at (877) 591-1801.  We’ll be waiting to listen and help you through your situation.

Related Resources

If you found this information on semi truck blind spots helpful, please view the related topics below: 

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