Blind spots are areas around vehicles where the driver’s view is partially or completely obstructed.
On passenger vehicles, blind spots are often small. Careful positioning of mirrors, blind spot warning systems, or a quick glance over the shoulder by the driver can reduce or eliminate them depending on the vehicle’s size and window configuration. But on semi-trucks, blind spots can hide more than one trailing vehicle and even more than one lane of traffic from view.
In this blog, we’ll discuss semi-truck blind spots, including where they are, what makes them so dangerous to drivers, how to avoid driving in them, and more.
Where Are Semi-Truck Blind Spots?
Truck blind spots, often called “no-zones,” are areas around semi-trucks where visibility is limited or nonexistent. Understanding the location of these no-zones can help you stay safe on the road and reduce the risk of an accident.
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Front Blind Spot
A semi-truck’s front blind spot extends about 20 feet in front of its cab. Because of semi-trucks’ elevated driver position, smaller vehicles that are too close to the cab may not be within the truck driver’s line of sight because they are lower than the cab’s hood and windows. Cutting in front of a truck or slamming on your brakes while in this blind spot can be extremely dangerous, as the truck driver may not see you. Compounded with the fact that semi-trucks take longer to slow down and stop than passenger vehicles, the truck driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid rear-ending you.
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Rear Blind Spot
Another large blind spot extends about 30 feet behind a semi-truck’s trailer. Truck drivers can’t see vehicles following too closely in this area. If you can’t see the truck’s side mirrors, the driver likely can’t see you, either. Drivers end up in this no-zone so often that many truck trailers have signs on their rear doors warning drivers to stay back to avoid potential accidents.
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Left-Side Blind Spot
While the left side, or driver’s side, of a semi-truck offers better visibility than the right side, there is still a large blind spot there. This area typically extends from the driver’s side door back to the middle of the trailer. Passing a truck too closely on the left can be dangerous, especially if the driver is preparing to change lanes.
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Right-Side Blind Spot
The largest blind spot on a semi-truck is on the right side, or passenger side, extending from the front of the cab and stretching to the middle of the trailer in the lane to the immediate right of the truck, as well as to the back of the trailer in the lane two lanes over to the right.
Truck drivers have extremely limited visibility on this side, making it the most dangerous place to linger. Avoid driving in this area, especially when a truck is preparing to turn or merge. Like the rear blind spot, truck trailers often have signs warning drivers about this blind spot—especially when truck drivers make right turns.
What Makes Truck Blind Spots So Dangerous?
Anytime the visibility of other vehicles is reduced or eliminated for a driver, the risk of an accident increases significantly. This is especially true for truck drivers behind the wheels of large semi-trucks. Some of the biggest dangers associated with semi-truck blind spots include:
- Increased Risk of Sideswipe Accidents: When a truck driver changes lanes or turns without checking for any vehicles in their blind spot, a sideswipe collision can occur. This is particularly dangerous because trucks are much larger and heavier, making it difficult for a smaller vehicle to maneuver away safely once contact is made.
- Higher Likelihood of Rear-End Collisions: Drivers who follow too closely behind a semi-truck may not realize they are in a blind spot. If the truck brakes suddenly, the driver behind may not have enough time to stop, leading to a serious rear-end crash. Because trucks sit higher off the ground, smaller vehicles can even slide underneath in what’s known as an underride accident—one of the deadliest types of crashes. Likewise, vehicles immediately in front of a truck are at risk of being rear-ended and potentially even pushed down the road.
- Wide Right Turns Can Trap Other Vehicles: Trucks make wide right turns, often swinging left before turning right. If a car is in the truck’s right-side blind spot, it can get caught between the truck and the curb or another object, leading to a devastating crash. Many drivers don’t realize how much space trucks need to turn and may unknowingly place themselves in danger.
- Delayed Reaction Time from Truck Drivers: Even if a truck driver checks their mirrors regularly, they may not see a vehicle in their blind spot in time to react. Unlike passenger vehicles, semi-trucks take longer to slow down and maneuver, which means an unnoticed car in a blind spot can quickly lead to a collision before the truck driver can correct their course.
Tips for Staying Out of Truck’s Blind Spots
Miami’s streets, highways, and interstates can be packed, especially during rush hour. It’s not always easy to avoid driving near semi-trucks, including in their blind spots. However, being aware of their location and following these tips can help you reduce your risk of a crash:
- Pass Quickly and on the Left: Trucks have a smaller blind spot on their left side, so always pass on the left whenever possible and avoid lingering beside the truck.
- Stay Back: Leave at least 30 feet of space behind a truck’s trailer to ensure the driver can see you and to avoid dangerous underride collisions.
- Don’t Cut in Too Close: Because of their extreme weight, trucks need more time to slow down and stop than passenger vehicles. When merging in front of or passing trucks, leave plenty of room between your rear bumper and the truck’s cabin. Don’t merge back in front of a truck until you can see its roof in your rearview mirror.
- Avoid the Right-Side No-Zone: The right side of a truck is its largest blind spot. Never drive alongside a truck on the right for extended periods, especially near intersections. Also, never underestimate the size of this blind spot, as it extends for dozens of feet.
- Check the Truck’s Mirrors: If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their side mirrors, assume they can’t see you either and adjust your vehicle’s position on the road accordingly.
Contact Our Miami Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
While it’s important for drivers to avoid trucks’ blind spots, staying out of them 100% of the time isn’t always possible. Factors such as heavy traffic, narrow lanes, erratic truck movements, and more can put drivers in “no-zones” unexpectedly and without warning for minutes or even hours at a time.
When truck drivers, truck companies, or other parties contribute to or cause blind spot-related crashes, they can and should be held liable. If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident, Aigen Injury Law is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.