When driving around semi-trucks, it is essential to be aware that they have blind spots that are not present in smaller vehicles. Due to their size and the visibility limitations created by the trailer, truck drivers often cannot see the vehicles around them.
There are blind spots both in front of and behind a semi-truck. The blind spot behind is slightly larger until the car gets far enough back that the truck driver can see it in their mirrors—around 30 feet. The blind spot in front is relatively small, based on the height of the cab, but can still be problematic for cyclists, pedestrians and people in small vehicles.
On both sides of the truck, there are also blind spots. These extend farther back on the passenger side of the truck than on the driver’s side, but the blind spots are generally the areas where a car is not visible out the side window and is also not positioned so it can be seen in the mirror. A car that lingers in this gap—such as someone driving in the adjacent lane on the interstate—may be invisible to the truck driver when they merge or switch lanes.
How can you address this risk?
In many cases, the only way to address this risk is to ensure that you do not stay in the blind spots for too long. If you are passing a semi-truck on the interstate, do it quickly and efficiently. It is always best to be significantly in front of or behind a semi-truck, ensuring that you are not sitting in one of those blind spots.
Unfortunately, truck accidents do happen, so those who have suffered serious injuries must know how to seek financial compensation.