When sharing the road with large vehicles such as 18-wheelers, it is crucial for all drivers to have an awareness of the truck’s blind spots. These blind spots are areas around the truck where the driver has limited or no visibility. Recognizing and avoiding these areas can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
What blind spots should drivers be aware of?
Blind spots are areas around a vehicle where the driver cannot see other vehicles or objects using their mirrors alone. For big rigs, these areas are much larger due to the vehicle’s size and dimensions. The main blind spots for semi-trucks are:
- Front blind spot: Because of the height and position of the truck’s cab, drivers cannot see about 20 feet in front of the truck.
- Rear blind spot: Trucks do not have a rear-view mirror, so the driver relies entirely on side mirrors to view traffic behind them. However, there is still a substantial area – around 30 feet – that is not visible.
- Right side blind spot: This is the largest blind spot and extends up significantly from the cab and about two lanes to the right. It is dangerous to pass a truck on the right side because of how limited the driver’s visibility is.
- Left side blind spot: While slightly smaller than the right, the left side blind spot is still dangerous. It extends from the cab and fans out to the left, covering around one lane next to the cab and trailer.
Avoiding these blind spots is one of the most important ways for drivers to stay safe around large commercial vehicles. By staying aware of the areas where your vehicle might not be visible to a truck driver, you can protect yourself from the severe impact of a truck accident.