How to Stay Out of a Semi-Truck’s Blind Spots?
Posted on: January 14, 2023
Whether you are close to home or on a long road trip, you will encounter many trucks. Learning where a truck’s blinds spots are can help you avoid them to stay out of harm’s way. Even when you take every precaution to share the road safely, accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident with a truck, reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer today.
The Four Semi-Truck Blind Spots
When driving around a semi-truck, it is important to be aware of its four primary blind spots. If you cannot see the truck driver in their mirror, then they cannot see you. If you are in one of their blind spots, the truck driver may not be able to see you until it is too late.
The first blind spot is on the truck driver’s left side. This is the biggest blind spot on the truck, and it is where most accidents happen. You need to stay as far away from the truck as possible when driving on its left side and not linger next to it. Pass or stay back.
The second blind spot is on the truck driver’s right side. Stay out of this blind spot, especially when passing the truck. This side is also extremely dangerous if the truck is turning right. Semi-trucks often swing out to the left to make a right-hand turn and if you are in the way, your car will be hit.
The third blind spot is behind the truck. You should never drive closely and directly behind a semi-truck, as the driver cannot see you and you cannot see what is happening ahead of the truck. Keep more distance than you think is necessary.
The fourth and final blind spot is in front of the truck. Again, do not drive closely in front of a semi-truck and especially do not cut in front of them. Trucks need a lot of room to stop, so give them plenty of space. The large hood of a truck’s cab eliminates the driver’s visibility of the area directly in front of their vehicle.
How to Avoid an Accident in a Truck’s Blind Spot?
To avoid a blind spot-related accident with a truck, follow these tips:
- Stay out of the blind spots entirely. If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors or see the driver in the mirrors, they cannot see you.
- Do not cut off a semi-truck. When you are driving, give semi-trucks plenty of room to merge into traffic. Do not try to pass a semi-truck on the right side or cut them off when they are trying to turn.
- Watch for turning trucks. When a semi-truck is turning, it takes a lot longer for them to make the turn than it does for a car. Give the truck plenty of room to turn and never try to go around the truck while it is turning.
- Use your turn signal. Let the truck driver know when you are planning to change lanes or merge into traffic. This will help them give you enough space to do so safely.
A Freehold Truck Accident Lawyer at Ellis Law Can Help You Recover
If you find yourself in an accident with a semi-truck, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Speak with an experienced Freehold truck accident lawyer at Ellis Law about your options. Contact us today at 732-308-0200 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with our seasoned team. We proudly serve our neighbors in Freehold, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Neptune, Hudson County, Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Union County, Essex County, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York, New York.
