Large trucks fill America’s highways. They perform an essential service but present a significant hazard to drivers of smaller vehicles.
If a truck crashes into you, the consequences could be catastrophic due to its size. After all, there’s no comparison between the weight and power of a semi compared to the average passenger vehicle. Because of this, you need to allow commercial trucks plenty of space on the road — and that means knowing their blind spots.
Trucks have blind spots all around them
Understanding the blind spot of these massive vehicles is crucial to help stay safe around them. Here are the four blind spots that a truck has:
- Close in front of the truck: A truck driver cannot see you if you are under their nose because their cabs are high off the ground. This front blind spot can extend up to 20 feet.
- Behind the truck: The rear blind spot of a tractor-trailer can reach 30 feet behind. If you cannot see yourself in the truck driver’s side mirror, then you are not visible to them either.
- To the left of the truck: A truck driver may struggle to see you if you are in the lane beside them. This blind spot extends over halfway along the body of the truck.
- To the truck’s right: The truck driver sits on the left, making it difficult for them to see you if you are to their right. This blind spot can stretch across two lanes for the whole length of the truck. It will be worse if you are in the lane next to the 18-wheeler. Remember, they may pull out wide to the right before turning left.
Obtaining fair compensation after a vehicle collision can be challenging. If you take on the insurance company alone, your settlement might not cover the total cost of your injuries. Consider legal guidance to increase your chances of success.