Large trucks have much bigger blind spots than the average car. Truckers who do not account for this disparity increase the chances of causing serious accidents and injuries. Similarly, non-commercial drivers must also exercise caution when driving near tractor-trailers. Here are some trips California drivers should know to reduce the likelihood of truck blind spot accidents.
Stay Out of Blind Spots
A commercial truck has blind spots on all sides. Drivers can avoid truck blind spot accidents by staying out of these “No Zones” as much as possible. One rule of thumb for drivers to recognize when they’ve entered a truck’s blind spot is to look at the truck’s mirrors. If you cannot see the truck driver’s face in the mirror, they likely cannot see you.
Safe Passing Practices
Drivers can reduce the chances of blind spot truck accidents by following safe passing practices. Always pass a truck on the left and as quickly as possible. The right side of a tractor-trailer has the largest blind spot that spans multiple lanes. The left-side blind spot extends across one lane. Never linger in a truck’s blind spots to reduce the chance of a collision.
Maintaining a Safe Distance
Leave extra distance when following a semi-truck. Commercial trucks have side blind spots that extend as much as 30 feet behind the back end of the trailer. Furthermore, drivers should avoid merging directly in front of a commercial truck or cutting off the truck due to the blind spot ahead of its hood, which can extend as much as 20 feet depending on how it is configured.
Proper Signaling and Lane Changes
Drivers should always signal and check side and rear-view mirrors before changing lanes on the highway. Only change lanes where permitted.
Understanding Truck Movements
Another key to avoiding truck blind spot accidents is understanding how these large vehicles move. Trucks accelerate more slowly, need longer stopping distances, and have larger turning radiuses than passenger vehicles. Motorists should monitor a truck’s turn signals and operation to anticipate when a truck driver plans to turn, change lanes, or pass other cars.
Nighttime and Poor Weather Driving
All motorists should adjust their driving behaviors when visibility is poor. Use headlights at night or during adverse weather conditions and increase following distances when driving on slick road surfaces.
Tips for Truck Drivers and Truck Companies
Truck drivers and trucking companies can do their part in reducing the chances of a blind spot crash by following Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards and these safety tips:
- Conduct regular mirror checks for vehicles entering the truck’s blind spot.
- Monitor the road to confirm when vehicles exit blind spots.
- Install blind spot monitoring technology on the truck, including blind spot mirrors, sensors, and warning lights/chimes.
- Signal all turns and lane changes early to warn other motorists before moving.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in California Today
Have you been hurt in a blind spot truck accident? You need help from a California truck accident lawyer to build a strong case and pursue maximum compensation. Contact Demas Law Group today for a free consultation.
