No-Zones: Never Drive in Truck Blind Spots
Regardless of what vehicles you are driving, you should always check your blind spots – areas your mirrors are unable to show. Paying attention to blind spots is important to all drivers, especially large bus and truck drivers. Like other drivers, truck drivers are responsible for checking their blind spots to make sure they are not missing vehicles in their surroundings. But there are not many things a truck driver can look out on their own when they are seated in an elevated position with a large load behind them blocking their rearview. Truck drivers need your help!
Traveling safely on the road is the goal for everyone. The best way to protect yourself and other drivers on the road is to watch out for one another. Learn about the blind spots of a truck and avoid them in the future, so you can travel safely on the road, especially when you are sharing the road with a truck driver. We are here to help you avoid these mistakes, so you do not make any on your future journeys behind the wheels!
No-Zones Around Trucks
The blind spots of a truck are known as ‘No-Zones.’ As a driver sharing the road with the truck driver, you should acknowledge the danger of driving in these no-zones which adds to the number of truck collisions and accidents. You can help truck drivers reduce the number of accidents and collisions they encounter by driving outside of their no-zones.
Every truck has 4 no-zones. It is important that you know where they are and to never stay in these areas. If you are passing a truck, you may need to enter the no-zones area, but even if you do so, move out of it quickly and be visible to the truck driver.
The 4 no-zones are in the:
- Front – approximately 6-7 meters (20-25 ft) ahead of the truck
- Rear – approximately 9 meters (30 ft) from the back of the truck
- Side (right) – one or two lanes on the right
- Side (left) – one lane on the left
Driving in Front of Trucks
Maintaining at least 6 meters or 20 feet ahead of the truck will ensure that you are visible to the truck driver. Because trucks are designed with high seats, truck drivers cannot see you if you are relatively close to the front of their truck. While truck drivers watch out and maintain a distance from the vehicles and pedestrians ahead, you can create extra space from the truck to make yourself visible.
Driving Behind Trucks
You want to maintain at least 9 meters or 30 feet from the back of the truck if you are traveling in the same lane as the truck. Even though trucks have large mirrors, they can only capture their surroundings to a limited extent, like your vehicle’s mirror. Maintaining a safe distance away from the back of the truck ensures that you can be captured in their mirror and be visible to the driver. Likewise, if the truck driver takes a sudden action, your safe distance gives you the time to react and act accordingly.
Driving on the Sides of Trucks
With the driver seats on the left, truck drivers have a greater blind spot on their right, making it harder for them to spot you. As a result, the no-zones on the right side of the truck can run the entire length of the trailer. If you are planning to pass a truck, remember to pass from the left side of the lane (click to read more on how to pass another vehicle!). With a smaller no-zone on their left, truck drivers can better prepare and stay aware as they regularly check their blind spots.
Sharing the Road with Trucks
As you are traveling on the road with a truck, keep in mind that
- Trucks are often 20 to 30 times heavier than passenger vehicles.
- Trucks take a longer time to stop when they brake and make turns due to their difference in size. You should keep an extra distance from the truck when you are merging in front or behind them.
- Trucks do not have rear-view mirrors. Acknowledge the difference between trucks and your vehicle. You should always proceed with caution, plan, and signal your maneuvers.
- Trucks make wide turns (sometimes taking up more than one lane to complete the turn). Always watch out for their signals and make sure you are not in their no-zones to avoid collisions. You should be alert and yield at a distance away from the truck before proceeding.
There will always be a time when you share the road with trucks. Remember to never put yourself in the 4 no-zones and make your vehicle visible to the truck driver. The next time you are on the road with a truck, be careful, be patient, and be safe.
If you are interested in more driving tips and guides, check out our website at http://www.ferraridrivingschool.com/.