Semi-Truck Blind Spots: A Guide to 18 Wheeler No-Zones.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 310,000 accidents occur each year involving large trucks – 4,500 of those crashes are fatal. This post will discuss the danger of 18-wheeler blind spots and how to stay safe on the road. We will share some tips and tricks to help you avoid an accident with an 18-wheeler. By the end of this post, you will better understand how to stay safe on the road and share the highways with these massive vehicles.
Dangers of 18-wheeler blind spots
We often share the road with large 18-wheeler trucks when driving on the highway. While these trucks are essential for transporting goods across the country, they also pose a potential danger to other drivers on the road. One of the biggest dangers associated with 18-wheelers is the issue of blind spots. These are areas around the truck where the driver has limited or no visibility, making detecting other vehicles or obstacles difficult. As a result, other drivers may unknowingly enter these blind spots, putting themselves and the truck driver at risk of a collision. It’s important to understand the dangers of 18-wheeler blind spots and take steps to stay safe on the road when sharing the highway with these massive vehicles.
What are the blind spots on an 18 wheeler?
Blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” are areas around a vehicle where the driver’s view of other cars is obstructed or limited. These areas are particularly dangerous for large vehicles like 18-wheelers, as they have much larger blind spots than smaller vehicles.
The four blind spots, “No Zones,” are on each side of the truck, the rear, and directly in front of the cab. The most dangerous blind spot is on the truck’s passenger side, as this is where most accidents involving cars and trucks occur. Drivers in smaller vehicles may mistakenly assume that if they can see the truck’s mirrors, the truck driver can see them. But this is not always the case.
- The first blind spot is directly in front of the truck, at least 20 feet. Due to the cab’s height and the hood’s length, the driver cannot see anything within a few feet of the front of the truck. This means that if you suddenly brake or stop in front of an 18-wheeler, the driver may not be able to react in time to avoid a collision.
- The second blind spot is directly behind the trailer, at least 30 feet. Any vehicle following too closely behind an 18-wheeler risk being rear-ended if the driver suddenly brakes or makes a sudden lane change.
- The third and fourth blind spots are on either side of the trailer, extending from the cab. These blind spots are particularly dangerous because cars and other smaller vehicles can easily disappear from view. If a driver needs to make a lane change, they may not see a car or motorcycle in their blind spot and collide with it.
Blind spots are dangerous because they increase the risk of accidents and collisions. When drivers cannot see other vehicles on the road, they may inadvertently change lanes or make a turn, putting other drivers in danger. In addition, blind spots can make it difficult for truck drivers to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions, further increasing the risk of accidents. It is important for all drivers to understand blind spots and take steps to stay safe on the road.
Recognize when you’re in an 18-wheeler’s blind spot
If you are driving in one of these No Zones, the driver of the 18-wheeler may not be able to see you, which can lead to dangerous situations.
- One of the biggest blind spots for an 18-wheeler driver is directly behind the trailer. It’s best to keep a safe distance from the back of the trailer and avoid tailgating.
- Avoid driving alongside an 18-wheeler for an extended period of time. This is because the area directly next to the truck is also a blind spot, as the driver’s side mirrors can’t always capture what’s happening next to the truck. If you need to overtake an 18-wheeler, make sure to do so quickly and safely, ensuring that you are visible to the driver before making your move.
- Always use your signals when driving near an 18-wheeler. This will make the driver aware of your intentions and help them anticipate your movements, reducing the chance of an accident.
- Staying alert and focused when driving near an 18-wheeler. Avoid distractions such as texting or eating, and always keep your attention on the road. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you stay safe when driving near 18-wheelers.
Tips for avoiding blind spots when driving near 18-wheelers
In the photo below, you can see yellow markings that represent blind spots – and considering how large trucks are, it’s probably safe to assume that they’ve got huge blind spots. But don’t worry; there are ways to stay out of those spots and still get where you want to go!
When driving behind a truck, leave enough room between you and the truck so that he can still spot you in his mirrors. If you can’t see his mirrors, he can’t see you – it’s as simple as that! When overtaking a truck on the motorway, pass with haste but not too quickly so you fall into a blind spot in front of the cab. And for all the brave souls who dare venture near roundabouts, try and keep back from the non-driver side of the truck – this way, you won’t end up getting sideswiped by the trailer!
If you can’t see the driver of the truck in their side mirror, they can’t see you either.
Remember, it’s all about being careful and attentive around these big guys. With a few simple precautions, you can drive past those pesky blind spots without any trouble! Here are some tips for avoiding blind spots when driving near 18-wheelers:
- Stay out of the “no-zone”: The “no-zone” is the area on either side of the truck where the driver cannot see you in the side mirrors. Avoid staying in this area for an extended period, as the driver may not know you’re there.
- Pass quickly: When passing an 18-wheeler, do it as quickly as possible to avoid staying in the blind spot. Pass on the left side, as the driver’s blind spot is larger on the right.
- Keep your distance: Always maintain a safe distance from an 18-wheeler, especially when driving behind it. If you can’t see the driver in their side mirror, they can’t see you.
- Use your horn: If you need to get the driver’s attention, use your horn. Never assume that the driver can see you or knows you’re there.
What to do if you’re involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler
If you’re involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your rights. Here are some steps to take:
- Check for injuries: If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, call 911 immediately.
- Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to signal other drivers.
- Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident, including vehicle damage and other relevant details. Write down the date, time, and location of the accident.
- Contact your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company immediately.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, getting checked out by a doctor is important. Some injuries may not show up immediately.
- Contact an attorney: If you’ve been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler in the Dallas=Fort Worth area, it’s important to speak with an experienced Texas accident injury attorney. They can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Staying safe on the road around 18-wheelers.
In conclusion, it’s important to remember that staying safe on the road around 18-wheelers requires both caution and awareness. By understanding the blind spots of these massive vehicles, you can take steps to reduce your risk of an accident. Always maintain a safe distance from the sides and rear of an 18-wheeler, and never try to pass on the right-hand side. If you must pass on the left, do so quickly and safely, giving the truck driver plenty of space.
Remember, 18-wheelers are a critical part of our economy, transporting goods and materials across the country. By staying safe on the road around these vehicles, you’re protecting yourself and helping ensure our economy keeps moving smoothly. So the next time you’re on the road, keep these tips in mind and stay safe out there.
We hope you found this article informative and helpful in understanding the dangers of 18-wheeler blind spots. It is crucial to take necessary precautions while driving to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you. Following the tips in this post, you can avoid an accident and drive safely on the road. Our goal is to educate and promote road safety for all drivers, so please share this post with those you know and help us spread the word. Safe driving!
