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. This can lead to a serious accident. 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.
Blind Spots for Semi-Truck Drivers
Truck accidents may be caused in part by blind spots. Blind spots, sometimes referred to as “no-zones,” are regions surrounding a car where the driver’s view is restricted or obscured. Compared to smaller vehicles, semi-trucks have wider blind spots. Generally speaking, a truck driver’s primary blind spots are:
- Directly in front of the semi-truck. Because a truck’s cab is raised above the majority of other cars, there is a blind area right in front of the truck.
- Right behind the semi-truck. Trucks frequently have a large blind area that stretches directly behind them.
- On the right and left sides of the semi-truck. A truck’s blind spot is wider on the right side than the left, particularly in the vicinity directly behind the cab. The left side of the truck still has a blind spot, despite it being smaller than the right side.
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.
Get Help Today if You Were Injured in Semi-Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in an automobile accident with a careless semi-truck driver that has led to injuries such as broken bones, internal bleeding, or a head injury, then you should contact an experienced law firm that is familiar with handling these types of auto accident cases. Contact the truck accident lawyers at Ace Law Group now to schedule a free case consultation set up so you can get the legal help you’ve been looking for.