What Are Truck “No-Zones?”
If you’ve ever driven next to a large semi-truck, you know just how intimidating it can be.
Unfortunately, the length and size of semi-trucks can make it very difficult for truck drivers to see around their vehicle. Knowing how to identify truck “no-zones” can help you stay out of truck driver’s blind spots and help you stay safer on the road.
Learn what “no-zones” are and how to safely drive near large trucks with the help of your Houston car accident attorneys.
How To Identify the No-Zones
“No-zones” are areas where the truck driver has limited or restricted visibility. Because the driver’s view may be limited, it’s important to do your part on the road.
Knowing the “no-zones” can help truck drivers avoid collisions. The 4 “no-zones” of a truck are:
1.Front No-Zone
The area directly in front of a truck is a “no-zone.” Because semi-trucks weigh several times more than a passenger vehicle, it can make it difficult for them to come to a sudden stop. If a car stays in the front “no-zone,” it could put them at a greater risk for a rear-end collision.
2.Side No-Zone
The side “no-zones” is the large area on each side of a semi-truck. Typically, semi-trucks range from 50 to 80 feet long. The length of the truck makes it difficult for the driver to see a complete 360-degree view of the vehicle.
3.Rear No-Zone
Trucks usually don’t have a rearview mirror or window like normal passenger vehicles. This means that drivers have a limited view of the rear of the truck. Truckers normally rely on their side-view mirrors to detect if a car is traveling behind them.
4.Wide Turns
Semi-trucks tend to make wide turns to avoid sidewalks, curbs, utility poles, and other adjacent objects. If you see a truck making a turn, never attempt to undercut it.
How To Safely Drive Near Big Trucks
Passenger vehicles and large trucks share a responsibility to stay safe on the road. As the driver of a passenger vehicle, there are some tips you can follow to safely drive near semi-trucks:
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- Before switching lanes, make sure there is a clear and safe way to do so. Avoid making any maneuvers when other cars are trying to pass the semi-truck.
- Always be aware of pedestrians, motorcyclists, and other drivers who can be unseen because of your car’s own blind spots.
- Adjust your rear-view and side-view mirrors to best reduce any blind spots.
- Turn your head to check the rear-view in addition to using your rear-view mirror.
- Use your signals at every lane change and turn. Pay attention to other drivers’ signals and give them the space to pass instead of speeding past them.
Following these safety tips can allow you and semi-trucks to safely share the road. Apply these to your daily drive to avoid unnecessary accidents or injuries.
Seeking Compensation After a Truck Accident
There can be many causes of a semi-truck accident. Unfortunately, many crashes can happen by being in one of those blind spots at the wrong time. However, if the crash has been caused by the negligence of the truck driver, a thorough investigation must take place.
Negligence can come in the form of distracted driving, exhaustion, impaired driving, or inadequate maintenance. These acts need to be held accountable and an experienced Houston car accident attorney can do just that.
Seeking the help of a dedicated Houston car accident attorney can help you prove who should be held liable in your crash. They can also help you seek the financial relief you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, seek the help of a Houston car accident attorney at Lapeze and Johns to find financial relief.
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