Driving next to a big truck can be nerve-wracking, and for good reason. These massive vehicles have blind spots that make it difficult for truck drivers to see nearby cars. These blind spots are known as “no zones.” They are one of the leading causes of collisions between trucks and passenger vehicles. If you are not careful, you could find yourself in a dangerous spot that becomes the reason for a NO-zone accident. To keep yourself and others safe, here are four places you should avoid when driving near a truck.
1. Directly in Front of the Truck
One of the most overlooked no zones is in front of the truck. You might think being ahead of the truck is the safest place, but that is not always the case. Trucks need much more time and distance to slow down than smaller vehicles. If you cut in too closely or brake suddenly, the truck may not be able to stop in time, and that could lead to a rear-end collision that is both dangerous and avoidable.
Therefore, when changing lanes in front of a truck, ensure you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before merging over. That gives the truck driver enough space to react if traffic slows down.
2. Directly Behind the Truck
Tailgating a truck is just as risky as cutting in front of one. If you drive too close behind a truck, the driver likely cannot see you. More importantly, you cannot see what is happening ahead of the truck, like sudden stops, road debris, or slowed traffic. If the truck slams on its brakes, you could crash into it with little time to react.
Also, if the truck carries loose cargo and it shifts or falls off, you will not have a clear path to avoid it. As such, keep a safe following distance, ideally four to five seconds behind the truck, to give yourself room to stop and better visibility of the road ahead.
3. Along the Right Side of the Truck
The most dangerous place around a truck is on its right side. This area has the largest blind spot, stretching several lanes out, and it is often the last place a truck driver checks when changing lanes or turning. If you are lingering in that space, the driver might not even know you are there, increasing the risk of a side-swipe or being caught during a wide right turn.
To be safe, never cruise alongside a truck on the right side. If you need to pass, do it quickly and carefully, and always from the left side, where the driver has better visibility.
4. Along the Left Side of the Truck
While the left side is safer than the right, it still has dangers. The blind spot on this side is not as wide, but it can still hide a full-sized car, especially if you are driving close to the cab. Truck drivers are likelier to notice you here, but not always, especially if visibility is poor. If you are passing a truck on the left, move at a consistent speed and avoid lingering in the blind spot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding where not to drive around a truck can be the difference between a safe trip and a serious accident. Remember, if you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you. No zones are a real danger on the road.
If you ever find yourself involved in a no-zone accident, it is crucial to understand your rights. Determining fault in these cases can be complicated, especially when multiple drivers and insurance companies are involved. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you sort through the details and fight for the compensation you deserve.
