The sensation is familiar: A nervous sensation creeps into your stomach when you are traveling in a lane next to an 18-wheeler. You may try to avoid all the big trucks on the highway, but at some point, you will surely end up driving right next to one. Our instincts are worth listening to, however, as there are some real dangers that come with sharing the roadways with large commercial vehicles. 18-wheelers have several blind areas that are often referred to as ‘No Zones.’ These zones are blind spots that should be avoided by drivers of smaller passenger vehicles. Staying out of a truck’s No Zone is the best way to avoid the risk of a catastrophic truck accident.
Where are the Blind Areas Around a Large Truck or Trailer?
- Front: Due to the height of 18-wheeler trucks, there is a large blind area in front of most trucks. This danger zone extends about 20 feet in the front of the nose of the truck’s cab.
- Left: The length of the left side of the 18-wheel truck, which extends through the immediate left lane.
- Right: The length of the right side of the 18-wheel truck, which extends through the two immediate right lanes.
- Back: The blind zone on the back extends about 30 feet from the rear of the truck.
We all experience blind areas while driving, but there is a big difference between a standard passenger vehicle’s blind spot and that of an 18-wheeler. In a standard car, you can just adjust the mirrors or turn your head, and nearly all blind spots will be removed. On the other hand, an 18-wheeled truck has blind areas that cover the entire lateral length of the vehicle and sometimes across multiple neighboring lanes, no matter how the mirrors are repositioned.
Tips to Avoid Being in a Truck’s Blind Spot
- An 18-wheeled truck takes 40% longer to stop than an average car or pickup truck. If you are directly in front of an 18-wheeler, change lanes when it is safe to do so.
- Do not stay too long in a blind area when traveling with a large truck. Move faster to pass them if you are in the left lane, or slow down to let the truck pass you if you are in the right lane.
- Be patient. Keep in mind that driving a truck is very different from driving a car. More space is needed to turn, pass, and change lanes. By driving aggressively and honking, the chances of a crash increase.
- Do not cut in front of a truck. 18-wheelers weigh much more than a normal car, so take precautions. If you cut it in front of an 18-wheeler, the driver may not see you, and even if the driver does do see you, he or she may not be able to reduce speed in time to avoid crashing into you.
- Report driving dangerous. If you see a truck driver driving recklessly, it is important to report it. Generally, trucks have a phone number on their back.
Contact an Experienced Georgia Lawyer
If you have been injured in an accident with a large truck, contact the attorneys at Lankford & Moore Law today to schedule a consultation today. We will work to get you compensation for your injuries.
