Truck “No-Zones:” How Understanding Can Save Your Life

Truck drivers sit up higher than all other drivers on California roads. That gives them a better view in a wide panorama. These vehicles also have large mirrors to help the drivers see. You might think those advantages would be enough to enable professional truck drivers to have a pretty idea of what’s around them on the road.

However, although truck drivers may be able to see what’s way ahead on the road, they often have very little idea about what is going on right near their own vehicle. That’s because tractor-trailers and even smaller trucks like dump trucks have large blind spots where the driver is unable to detect passenger vehicles and other objects close to the truck. 

These blind spots are often referred to as “no-zones” because they are places where no other driver should ride for more than a few seconds. Staying aware of truck no-zones can help you avoid a truck accident with potentially deadly consequences.

Mapping the Danger—Know the Four Blind Zones on a Truck

Most drivers are familiar with the concept of a blind spot, although we don’t always give much thought to them. Passenger vehicles generally have small blind spots where the driver can’t quite see when a vehicle is approaching from behind on one side or the other (or both). Usually, the driver of a passenger vehicle can see what’s in the blind spot by turning their head and giving a good look over their shoulder.

That is not true for truck drivers. A blind spot cannot be revealed through a few simple checks. It is truly an unknown zone that severely limits the driver’s field of vision. Trucks generally have four of these blind spot “no-zones.”

Right in Front of the Cab

It seems hard to believe, but one of the places where passenger vehicles are essentially invisible to truck drivers is when they are directly in front of the truck. Although drivers are up high and can see far down the road ahead, they often cannot see a car right in front of them. The blind spot extends about three yards in front of the cab, so it is wise to avoid cutting directly in front of a truck. Some experts also say that truck drivers have a hard time seeing the area in front of the truck in the lane to the right as well, so it is wise to be cautious about staying in that position for too long.

Directly Behind the Truck

Have you ever driven with your car or SUV so filled with stuff that you can’t see out the back through your rearview mirror? Your side mirrors become the only source of information about what’s behind you, and those mirrors don’t give you a complete picture.

Truck drivers operate in this mode all the time—they don’t have rearview mirrors. Consequently, they don’t have a way to see what is directly behind them. Because trucks are much larger than cars, the blind spot can extend up to ten yards behind the truck. If you are driving behind an 18-wheeler or any type of commercial truck, it is a good idea to stay back 30 feet or more to remain visible to the truck driver. Since you can’t clearly see what is in front of the truck, staying back also gives you more time to react if the truck suddenly slows or stops.

To the Right of the Truck

The largest “no-zone” around a truck extends to the two lanes to the right of the truck. This blind spot is roughly triangular, running from the cab to the back of the truck and extending about eight yards to the right.

Driving in this position is not only dangerous on the highway but also in town. Trucks need considerable amounts of space to turn right, and they will often ride far to the left before making a right turn. When they can’t see passenger vehicles in their way, those vehicles can get crushed during a turn, often resulting in catastrophic injuries.

To the Left of the Truck

The fourth dangerous blind spot near trucks in California is to the left of the truck. Directly next to the cab, the driver can see vehicles and other objects, but further back on the left, the truck’s mirrors provide an incomplete picture, resulting in a blind spot extending back in the left lane for about 8-10 yards.

Staying Safe on the Road Around Trucks

There are no guarantees in life, and even when you take all possible precautions, sometimes the actions of others lead to collisions and other tragic incidents that you cannot avoid. However, when you follow defensive driving practices and maintain awareness of your position around trucks, you can potentially reduce the risk of a truck accident or at least reduce the severity of the impact and injuries.

Practices that can protect you when driving near trucks include:

• Checking for the driver’s face in the mirrors. If you can’t see the driver, then you know they cannot see you.
• Not merging closely in front of or behind a truck where you cannot be seen
• Avoiding cruising alongside or directly behind a truck
• Passing trucks quickly on the left without slowing down and allowing adequate space before merging back to the right
• Paying close attention to the truck’s turn signals

Unfortunately, even when you are aware of the dangers posed by a truck’s blind spots, there is no guarantee that the driver will be on the lookout for you. Many trucking companies are so anxious to keep to the profitable schedules that they put drivers on the road who are fatigued, pressured, or not properly trained, and these drivers may not notice other vehicles in time to avoid a collision.

When a Truck Accident Causes Injuries, Benjamin Arsenian is Ready to Help

When a truck driver causes an accident in California, attorneys representing the trucking business and insurance company will swing into action right away to try to do what they can to ensure that their employers do not have to pay compensation for the harm caused by their driver. Even when truck accident victims are seriously hurt, they may receive absolutely no compensation to cover their medical bills or make up for their pain and emotional anguish.

To recover full compensation after a truck crash, accident victims need to start building a legal case to establish liability right away. This is difficult to do while you’re in the hospital. But the Law Offices of Benjamin Arsenian can help. We can begin working right away to secure your legal and financial rights while you focus on healing.

We want everyone to stay safe and avoid truck accidents. But if an accident should occur, contact us for a free consultation to learn more about the assistance we can provide.