Tips for Staying Out of Truck Blind Spots and Staying Safe Around Trucks
Driving around large trucks can be unnerving and dangerous, but if you stay away from truck blind spots, you can easily maneuver around the truck and get to your destination safe and sound.
What are truck blind spots?
Every car has blind spots; however, a truck driver’s blind spot, the area he cannot see, is much larger.
The four truck blind spots, or “no-zones,” are:
- Side No-Zones: Trucks have significant blind spots on both sides of the vehicle. The right side blind spot is the largest of all four blind spots. Both blind spots extend over adjacent lanes.
- Rear No-Zones: The area behind the truck is another blind spot. Rear no-zones can be up to 200 feet long.
- Front No-Zones: The area 10-20 feet in front of the cab is a truck’s front no-zone.
How can I avoid a truck’s blind spots?
It is nearly impossible to stay out of a truck’s blind spots 100 percent of the time; however, you should limit the time you spend in them. The following tips will help you:
Do Not Cut in Front of Trucks
The weight and size of a truck makes it more difficult for a driver to slow down and stop. Even the most experienced truck drivers may find it difficult to stop such a large vehicle, especially if a smaller car cuts them off.
When you need to get in front of a truck, ensure that you have given the truck enough space to stop if need be. Consider that a truck going 55 miles per hour needs approximately 300 feet (the length of a football field) to stop. Cutting a truck driver off can be a deadly decision.
Never Pass a Truck on the Right
Due to their enormous size and length, trucks need to make wider right turns than the average passenger vehicle. In many cases, the truck driver will swing left before starting the right turn.
A squeeze play accident occurs when a car misjudges a truck driver’s intentions and attempts to overtake the truck. Because the driver is actually making a right turn, the truck driver will begin his turn and end up squeezing the passenger vehicle between the truck and a curb or barrier.
To avoid a squeeze play accident, be aware of the truck’s turn signals and avoid driving along the right side of the truck. If you are in the right lane and you see a truck driver veering left, slow down and give the truck driver ample space to make his turn or change lanes.
If you must pass a truck, always do so on the left.
Trucks are responsible for countless devastating accidents on busy Florida highways. If you or a loved one has suffered severe or fatal injuries in a Florida truck accident, the truck accident attorneys at Coffey McPharlin can help you file a claim and recover the compensation you and your family need. To schedule a free consultation in Fort Lauderdale, contact 954-541-3194.
