We all believe we are good drivers, but blind spots are a danger to even the most precise of drivers on the road. A source from Elizabethtown College of New York University found that most people say they’re driving is “Above Average.” Regardless of how competent you believe your driving to be, many can see the importance of understanding how to commute safely with our larger truck neighbors and 18-wheelers on busy roads.
So, where do trucks have blind spots? If you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you. The blind spots on a large vehicle are along each side of the truck where the side-mirrors are unable to be seen by the smaller-car. A truck’s blind spots are referred to as, ‘No Zones.’
Something you may not know is that trucks actually have larger blind spots than smaller cars. Often, drivers feel safe with the assumption that these large trucks are higher off the ground and must have a better view of the road, but this is not true. While the views are better forward, the blind spots linked to these larger trucks are in the same region as smaller cars but considerably larger and therefore more dangerous.
Where Do Trucks Have Blind Spots?
If you remain in these blind spots where you can’t see the driver’s face in the side mirrors, you’re putting both you and the trucker in a potentially dangerous situation.
A No Zone is where you are no longer visible to that large truck and therefore the truck cannot maneuver safely. No zones include:
- In the front of the truck before you can see the truck’s headlights in your rearview mirrors
- Behind the truck as you have no visibility of his mirrors
- Either side of the car in standard blind spot regions but much wider for the bulk of the truck
Again – The standard rule is if you can’t see his face in the mirror, the truck driver can’t see you.
This No Zone is greatly dangerous to you, the truck, and surrounding lanes as the damage will ripple across a large highway in no time. The largest blind spots are directly along the sides.
You may not assume in front of the truck would be dangerous to you, but these No Zones include directly this as there will be no time for him to stop unless you give the allotted safe space between of 10-30 feet.
What To Keep in Mind Around Trucks
As there is no technical definition for being a ‘good driver,’ people often create their own meanings for this and the room between these individualized definitions is far between to put it mildly.
However, there are things we can do and keep in mind to be safer drivers around these friendly road giants. If you can give the truck enough space to see clearly you, then you will condition your mind to safer driving practices.
An interesting fact about these blind spots is that the driver has even worse view of other vehicles on his right side of the truck. This may seem obvious as the driver has a farther reach to turn and look on that right side since he drives on the left side of the truck. But do keep this in mind when passing a vehicle on the right side, for your safety and for others, as this is the most dangerous side.
Steps to Avoid Blind Spots Safely
Here is a deeper look at where these blind spots are on large trucks and how you can take to protect your family and others on the road when faced with an enormous road neighbor or an 18-wheeler:
- The most important of these would be to signal. Be certain that the large truck can see you in his mirrors and knows of your intentions due to your signal. If he doesn’t know what you’re attempting to do, you’re putting the entire highway at risk.
If you signal early than the truck will be able to react to your lane change or what have you, slowing down and giving you the space necessary. If he can’t predict your movements though, he certainly can’t assist you in executing them. Stay observant and keep your eyes peeled to your surroundings so you can predict these large truck’s upcoming movements as well.
- Another tip which I certainly live by is the pass the large truck in a timely manner. Don’t linger in his blind spot or use the truck to be a sun-visor. I know it’s shady but move quickly to pass the truck. This is for your own safety and to avoid any unnecessary danger.
- This one may be a bit more difficult but – Be patient with slow-moving trucks. We’ve all been stuck behind that grandpa-mobile that’s going to nowheresville fast. But pushing the large truck to go faster, riding his tail will not help the situation.
It’s helpful to realize that these trucks cannot maneuver as quickly or with the ease that your little jetsetter 4-wheeler can go. The weight of these monsters makes it difficult to even speed up rapidly. So, give the truck driver time and space to make a safe lane change or go their own speed.
Being a pushy driver might get you there, what? 5 minutes early? Calm down.
- This one applies for all vehicles but do not ride their tail.
In reference to our last note, these large trucks cannot stop as quickly as you.
For this reason, if they need to slam on their breaks while you are too close, you will go slamming into their backside.
Their vehicles are heftier and more powerful than yours. Guaranteed, your car will be the one to suffer the worst of the damages.
Or worse than that, your body.
- In tandem with #4, don’t ride too close to the front either. The rule of thumb here is that if you can see the truck’s headlights in your rear-view mirror, then you are a safe distance in front of the truck.
If not, he could pick you up and throw you to Narnia.
- Don’t honk unless truly necessary. It will distract all drivers near you and could easily result in an accident. Think of when you are on the road and someone honks. People tend to look around, wondering if they’re being called out by a fellow driver and this can distract your entire freeway of neighbors. Keep the honking to a minimum unless it will alert a driver or impending danger.
Let’s Recap!
- If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in side-mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
- Signal. Always signal.
- Slow down, you’ll get there soon and safety is the most important.
- Don’t honk or rush the truck as it’s more difficult to maneuver. Give it time and offer kindness which could ultimately result in avoiding a crash.
- Be respectful, alert and patient so that everyone gets home safe.
- Don’t ride tail as the truck can’t stop quickly, don’t ride front unless you can see trucks headlights, this is a safe distance.
- The recommended is around 5 seconds distance between you and other vehicles. Keep this in mind for all vehicles, not just large trucks.
Bonus Tips:
- If a truck is trying to pass you, slow down to make this simpler for the truck. You will remove yourself from the blind spot sooner.
- This advice applies to all large vehicles, even school buses.
- Be aware that the larger trucks often have high-beam lights which may reflect back into your eyes. Avoid a safety hazard by keeping a safe distance to be certain your vision doesn’t become impaired.
- If driving in difficult weather, be sure your window blades are set to high to deflect any visibility that may be impeded.
- Also, in unsafe weather conditions – give even more space than you believe to be necessary. The best unit to keep in mind is around a five-second proximity between you and the truck in front. Some even say 20-30 cars length between vehicles. Stopping will take longer than you think so leave yourself more room than feels needed. Better safe than sorry is not just a useful expression, it’s a truth you should drill into your head and never take lightly.
I hope these tips have brought some value to you. Keep these in mind to make our roads a safer place and you will be a cut above the rest.
Kindness and patience really are key to a safe journey with other travelers on the road.
Before this holiday season, I hope you can keep that tone in your heart and mind before going out on the road.
Safe wishes to all and to all a good drive.
Sources:
https://driversed.com/driving-information/sharing-the-road-with-others/blind-spots.aspx
