Semi-trucks are so much bigger than passenger vehicles that they cause a variety of unique safety concerns. For example, there are often large mirrors attached to a semi-truck’s cab to assist operators in coping with the blind spots around the vehicle.
If those in smaller vehicles are traveling too close behind a semi-truck or are directly next to one’s trailer, a commercial driver may not see that other vehicle to account for its presence when making decisions in traffic. Obviously, that is a major safety concern that motorists should not ignore. Additionally, semi-trucks also create a blind spot that affects other vehicles in addition to having such sizable blind spots on both sides of the vehicle.
How a semi-truck affects other drivers
Those who are directly behind a semi-truck in traffic, especially when on a highway or interstate, may want to pass the semi-truck because it is subject to a lower speed limit. It can be almost impossible for someone operating a vehicle that gets close to the rear of a semi-truck to see oncoming traffic until they move quite a bit into the lane to the left of the truck to begin the passing process.
At that point, they may have few options other than to try to proceed, which might result in them merging too closely in front of the truck or striking oncoming traffic. The rear blind spot that keeps other drivers from seeing nearby traffic around a semi-truck is so serious of a safety concern that there have been prototype trucks developed with front-facing cameras installed and screens on the rear of the trailer to show those in traffic any vehicles nearby.
Such technology has yet to become commonplace and likely will not unless there is a federal mandate due to the expense involved. In the meantime, motorists will simply need to be aware of the blind spots around a commercial truck if they hope to make the best choices in traffic.
Learning about risk factors for semi-truck collisions can help people both enhance their safety on the road and also to make informed decisions after a crash that could not be prevented despite their best efforts.