How do you identify semi-truck no-zones? Part 1

Semi-trucks are one of the largest vehicles on the road. They make up a small portion of overall traffic but are responsible for an outsize number of fatalities. The reason trucks are so dangerous is because they are surrounded by a series of “no-zones.” No-zones, or blind-spots for passenger vehicles, are a series of areas around trucks that are responsible for the vast majority of truck-related accidents. This post will go over two of the four distinct no-zones and how you can identify and avoid them.

No zones are typified by their lack of visibility. Thus, anything that seems like it provides reduced or limited visibility is a potential no-zone. On trucks, that is on the side and rear of the truck.

Semi-trucks sit relatively high compared to passenger vehicles. So, even though their mirrors are larger to account for the increased size, they are unable to spot vehicles that are directly next to them. The result is that cars that are too close to the truck do not appear in the mirror, so the driver can only see you if he leans out of the window.

Similarly, trucks have a no-zone that extends for 20 to 50 feet behind their trucks. The mirrors are unable to see what is directly behind the truck because of the long trailer. It is thus advised that you don?t follow trucks too closely, or else they cannot see you.

If you were seriously injured in a semi-truck accident, then you may want to call a lawyer for legal assistance. You could have an actionable claim for personal injury. As illustrated above, litigating truck accidents is complicated. You need to consider that the driver, the truck owner, the owner of the cargo, and all of the attendant insurance companies are potentially liable. An attorney can help you go over the various possible liable parties and assist you in preparing suit for trial.