Have you ever heard of the “no zone” around large trucks? If not, let me fill you in. As a driver, you must understand the dangers of the no zone so you know how to share the road safely with big rigs. The no zone refers to the areas around a large truck where the driver has limited visibility. These blind spots are dangerous because the truck driver can’t see you, and you likely can’t see them either. Avoid lingering in their no zone if you’re driving near an 18-wheeler.
Pass them quickly, give them plenty of space, and make sure you can see the driver’s face in their side mirror before changing lanes in front of them. Your life could depend on it. Stick with me to learn exactly what the no zone is and how to avoid its hidden hazards. The open road awaits, so let’s get truckin’!
What Is the “No Zone”?
The “no zone” refers to the areas around large trucks where crashes are more likely to occur. As a driver, it’s critical to understand the no zone to avoid dangerous accidents.
Blind Spots
Large trucks have big blind spots on all sides of the vehicle. The blind spots on the sides are particularly problematic because the truck driver cannot see you at all. The blind spots extend up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on both sides of the trailer, and up to 200 feet behind the rear of the trailer. If you’re driving in these blind spots, “no zones,” the truck driver cannot see you and likely won’t know you’re there.
Turning and Changing Lanes
When large trucks are turning, merging, or changing lanes, their no zones become even more dangerous. The truck needs extra space to maneuver, so its blind spots expand. A truck turning right may swing wide into adjacent lanes. When changing lanes, the truck’s blind spots on both sides of the trailer mean the driver can’t see vehicles in the adjacent lanes.
Passing
Passing a large truck, especially on the right side, is very dangerous since the truck’s large blind spots mean the driver likely cannot see your vehicle. Only pass trucks on the left side when safe to do so, and make sure you give the truck plenty of space as you’re passing. Move into the passing lane only when you can see the whole front of the truck in your rearview mirror.
Rear End
The rear of a truck, including the trailer, has a large blind spot. Drivers following too closely behind trucks cannot be seen and are at high risk of a rear-end collision if the truck brakes suddenly. Maintain a safe following distance of at least 5-6 seconds behind trucks, so you have enough time to react in an emergency.
By understanding and avoiding the no zones around large trucks, you can drive more safely. Be cautious, give trucks extra space, and never linger in a truck’s blind spots. Your safety depends on it!
Why Trucks Have Large Blindspots
As a driver, it’s important to understand why large trucks have sizable blindspots, known as “no zones.” Being aware of these blindspots can help ensure your safety when sharing the road with big rigs.
Why Trucks Have Large Blindspots
Large trucks, especially tractor-trailers, have much larger blind spots than regular vehicles due to their immense size and various design elements. These blindspots are located around the truck, notably in the areas directly behind, in front of, and on either side of the vehicle. The truck driver cannot see other vehicles or objects in these blindspot zones.
- Behind the truck is a no zone that extends up to 200 feet. Due to the truck’s large size, the driver cannot see directly behind for some distance.
- The area 10 to 15 feet in front of the truck is also a no-zone. The truck’s hood and engine block the driver’s view of objects immediately in front, like cars, motorcyclists, or pedestrians.
- On either side of the truck, no zones stretch from the truck’s mirrors back to about 30 feet. The truck’s wide frame and mirrors obstruct the driver’s view of vehicles in these adjacent lanes or changing lanes beside the truck.
It’s critical for passenger vehicle drivers to avoid lingering in these no zones when driving around large trucks. Truck drivers cannot see you, and a collision is much more likely if you remain in one of their blindspots. The safest places for drivers to position themselves around a big rig are either far in front of or far behind the truck or in a lane completely separate from the truck.
The Dangers of the Side No Zone
The side blind spots, known as “no zones,” are dangerous areas around large trucks that drivers cannot see. As a passenger vehicle driver, it’s critical to understand the risks of lingering in these blind spots.
The Side No Zone
On either side of a large truck are sizable blind spots the truck driver cannot view directly. These “side no zones” extend up to 20 feet from the truck’s mirrors. If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, they cannot see you.
Driving alongside a large truck in these blind spots puts you in danger. The truck driver will have no idea you are there if they need to change lanes or turn. Remain aware of where the truck’s blind spots are and avoid lingering in them. Pass the truck promptly and give plenty of space before moving back over.
- Do not drive directly beside a truck for long periods, especially on multi-lane roads. The truck may need to change lanes and will not know you are there.
- Pay close attention to the truck’s turn signals before passing. The driver may be preparing to turn into a driveway or intersection and will not see you beside them.
- Leave extra following distance between you and a truck. Their massive size and weight make them much harder to stop in an emergency.
- Avoid “tailgating” behind trucks where their blind spot extends rearward. Leave at least 4 to 5 seconds of the following distance so the truck driver can see you in their mirrors.
- Be very cautious around trucks making wide turns. Their trailers can swing into adjacent lanes during turns, and they may not always have visibility around the entire vehicle.
- Never assume a truck driver can see you. If you cannot see them, they cannot see you. Exercise extreme caution.
Reach Out To An Experienced West Palm Beach Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been in an accident with a commercial truck, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side. The laws governing truck accidents can be complex, and trucking companies have deep pockets and teams of lawyers working to limit their liability.
An attorney who specializes in trucking accidents will understand the ins and outs of federal trucking regulations and how to investigate the trucking company and driver to determine fault. They can properly assess how much your claim may be worth. General practice attorneys lack the experience and expertise to handle these specialized cases.
If you’ve been injured by a truck, time is of the essence. Evidence disappears quickly, and there are strict statutes of limitations for filing a claim. Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer serving West Palm Beach at Frankl Kominsky for a free, no-obligation consultation. We have the knowledge, experience, and resources to stand up to big trucking companies and insurance providers and fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf. Call us today at (561) 800-8000.