The American supply chain relies heavily on truck transport. This is why there are around 13 million trucks in the U.S. alone, and the trucking industry is a billion-dollar one.
The massive number of trucks means sharing the road with them is an inevitable part of driving on roads. The problem is that their sheer size creates significant blind spots, referred to as ‘no zones.’ Motorists getting caught up in a no-zone with a truck driver unable to see them can have tragic consequences.
According to the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), there are around 500,000 truck accidents in the U.S. annually. The most crucial statistic is that 72% of fatalities during these accidents were the drivers and occupants of the other vehicles.
Moreover, 87% of large truck accidents are due to driver error, including truck driver fatigue. These errors often result from truck drivers not seeing cars driving in their blind spots.
Drivers must know how to avoid no zones by making themselves visible around large trucks. Wherever and whenever you commute, follow these tips to increase visibility and stay safe on the roads.
Why Large Trucks Have Blind Spots
When you learned how to drive a car, your instructor most likely discussed the blind spot issues. Cars also have them, and these blind spots often lead to accidents.
Huge trucks have huge blind spots. The height, width, pillar placement, and surrounding areas are typically invisible to the driver. These areas, especially the sides and directly behind the truck, are the most dangerous no zones.
Key Truck Blind Spots
The most important blind spots surrounding a large truck are as follows:
- Front blind spot: The front blind spot is the area directly in front of the truck. It usually extends a few car lengths because of the height of a truck’s cab.
- Side blind spots: These blind spots extend along both sides of the truck. They start from the front corner of the cab and continue along the length of the trailer.
- Rear blind spot: This is the area directly behind the truck. Like the front blind spot, the rear one also extends several car lengths (up to 30 feet) because of the height of the trailer.
Making Yourself Seen on the Road
Your car is tiny compared to a truck, so you must take all precautions to avoid getting stuck in no-zones.
The first and most important rule is always maintaining a safe following distance. The FMCSA recommends that passenger vehicles stay a following distance of four seconds behind trucks on highways.
This distance will give you enough time to react should the truck driver suddenly step on the brakes. Extending this distance is crucial during bad weather.
Blind spots do not automatically mean truck drivers do not look out for cars. Most truck drivers scan for smaller vehicles.
Turn on your headlights during the day to make it easier for them to see you. You should automatically do this when driving through a tunnel or when the weather is cloudy.
You will occasionally find yourself in a truck’s no-zone; it is unavoidable, especially when a highway is full of vehicles. The best strategy in this situation is to move away from the no-zone as quickly as possible. If you are next to the truck, pass it when safe.
If possible, try to make eye contact with the truck driver. This is not always feasible because of the size difference between cars and trucks. But, if you can manage it, it will greatly increase your chances of being seen by the truck driver. This is especially crucial when entering an intersection or where lanes merge.
Do not speed up to pass if you are behind a truck and the driver signals a lane change. Unfortunately, car drivers do this with catastrophic consequences. Also, do not assume the truck driver knows you are behind the truck when they signal.
Maintaining a predictable driving pattern when driving behind or alongside a truck is important. Truck drivers cannot anticipate your next move or avoid your car if you make sudden lane changes or tailgate aggressively.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Truck Accident
If the unthinkable happens and you are involved in a collision with a large truck, there are several things you should do immediately afterwards.
If you are unhurt or sustained only minor injuries, you should check other accident victims for injuries. Do not try to move anyone unless necessary and they are in harm’s way.
When everyone is safe, call the authorities to report the accident. Chances are some witnesses may have already called the police, but you should still call them.
While waiting for the police to arrive, take photos of the accident scene, damage to all vehicles, and your injuries. If possible, exchange information with the other drivers.
When you leave the accident scene, get medical attention. An adrenaline rush could mask more serious injuries. You will also need a medical report and receipts to file a legal case after the accident.
Moreover, you must report the accident to your insurance company. Be careful when relaying the facts about the accident. Do not say anything the insurance provider can use against you (or blame you for the accident).
If the truck driver was at fault for the accident, their insurance company will likely contact you and pressure you to accept their settlement. At this point, you should consult a lawyer who will advise you on the best way forward.
Staying Safe on the Road Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Road safety is not only the responsibility of truck drivers. All road users must consider safety whenever they share the road with others. Following these tips can reduce the risks of driving alongside large trucks on American highways.
You can drive safely anywhere by understanding how no zones impact safety and making yourself more visible.
Furthermore, it is important to implement other safety strategies, like maintaining your vehicle regularly and being courteous to other road users. Doing this will help create safer roads for everyone.
