Understanding Semi-Truck Blind Spots
Are you afraid to drive next to a semi-truck on the highway? Does your heart race when you have to pass an 18 wheeler? Do you worry that the driver won’t see you and cause a car accident?
Well, you’re not alone. Most drivers and passengers feel anxious when they see a semi-truck on the highway. It’s a reasonable response to such a large vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Trucks are often 20 to 30 times heavier than passenger vehicles,” and “the huge mass of a truck increases the risk of more severe crash damage, injuries, and fatalities.”
To overcome the fear of driving near trucks, you should learn where its blinds spots are located. Being familiar with the semi-truck blind spots goes a long way towards avoiding an accident. To help you and the drivers in your household learn more about blind spots on trucks, Patterson Legal Group offers the following guide.
There Are Four Semi-Truck Blind Spots
Blind spots are areas around a vehicle that the driver can’t see in their mirrors. All vehicles have blind spots, but due to the size of the vehicles, truck blind spots are larger than those of a sedan.
The red areas in the picture below illustrate the four semi-truck blind spots.
Truck drivers cannot see cars or motorcycles 20 feet in front of them. If you cannot see the truck’s headlights in your rearview mirror, you are likely in the truck driver’s blind spot. The only way to avoid this blind spot is to drive far enough in front of the truck that allows you to see the truck’s headlights.
Truck drivers cannot see cars or motorcycles 30 feet behind them. You should maintain a four-second distance between you and the truck in front of you. Also, make sure you can see both of the truck’s side mirrors. Both of these techniques will ensure that the truck driver sees you.
Do not linger on the side of semi-trucks. Truck drivers cannot see cars and motorcycles that are not visible in their side mirrors. You must make yourself visible. You can do that by using the truck’s large side mirrors. Try to remain where you can see the truck driver in his side mirrors. If you can see the driver, it’s highly likely that he can see you.
If you follow these helpful tips, your anxiety about semi-trucks will greatly decrease. Safe Driving!
Get Into a Semi-Truck Accident? Call Patterson Legal Group.
Unfortunately, there will be times when you get into an accident caused by semi-truck blind spots, no matter how safe you’re being. Should you or a driver in your family get into an accident involving a truck then contact a personal injury lawyer at Patterson Legal Group immediately. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you get started with a free consultation.
You can reach Patterson Legal Group by phone at 316-550-0000 or online through LiveChat and secure contact form. Our attorneys are committed to providing you with outstanding customer service and winning you the money that you deserve for your injuries. Take the first step towards making sure you get the highest settlement possible and contact us today.
