Driving is one of the most dangerous things Americans do on a daily basis. Getting in any car accident is potentially fatal; however, if you end up in a wreck with a truck, the chances for injury rise exponentially.
Thus, you must understand how to maneuver safely around trucks as a driver. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, it is vital for passenger vehicles to stay out of a truck’s “no zones”.
What is a “no zone?”
The “no zones” are another term for a truck’s blind spots. The blind spots on a truck are very different from those on a traditional passenger vehicle. The biggest difference is that they are much larger on a truck. For example, the blind spot on the front side of a truck can extend for 20 feet. Behind the truck, the blind spot may extend for 30. The blind spot on the left side of the truck extends for one lane, but on the right side it extends for two.
How should this knowledge affect my driving?
Essentially, you should give trucks much more space than you would a regular passenger vehicle to account for the size of the blind spots. Additionally, while you should always pass a vehicle on the left-hand side as a matter of course, it is much more important to heed this rule when dealing with trucks. Passing on the right of a truck can be extremely dangerous due to the large blind spot on this side.
Understanding how to drive safely around trucks can prevent many accidents. However, it is also important to consult with the experts in the event you end up in a truck accident.