Many crashes between passenger vehicles and semi-trucks occur due to driver decisions. People don’t monitor their surroundings and make unsafe choices that directly lead to a collision.
In some cases, the commercial driver is the one who causes a crash with unsafe practices. Other times, the people in the passenger vehicle might make mistakes that contribute to collision risk. One of the most common mistakes that people in smaller vehicles make when driving near semi-trucks is a failure to give the bigger vehicle adequate space. They may drive in the blind spots of the commercial truck.
What do those operating passenger vehicles need to know about a semi-truck’s blind spots to maximize their safety?
Drivers can’t see around a trailer
Some transportation companies have cameras that provide blind spot views. Other times, the cab of a semi-truck may have multiple extra mirrors attached so that the driver can look around the trailer more effectively.
Even when there are additional mirrors, people in smaller vehicles should assume that a driver cannot see in their blind spots. Any vehicles directly behind the trailer of the semi-truck likely aren’t visible to the driver. They have a hard time seeing vehicles in the lane to the left of the trailer as well.
The blind spots extend through two lanes to the right of the semi-truck’s trailer. Drivers in those blind spots put themselves at risk of getting hit by a commercial motorist who doesn’t see them before merging or turning.
Blind spots can affect other drivers
Another blind spot concern traffic drivers may fail to consider is the significant blind spot when following a semi-truck in traffic. The height and width of the semi-truck make it all but impossible for those in smaller vehicles to see around a semi-truck when they decide to pass. The risk is particularly high on two-lane highways. Drivers may begin to pass a commercial truck, only to encounter other vehicles approaching them rapidly.
Understanding and watching out for blind spots around commercial trucks can help people reduce their risk of a commercial vehicle crash. If crashes do occur and are the fault of a semi-truck driver, the other people involved may be able to seek compensation. Insurance claims and lawsuits are often necessary to recoup the costs generated as a result of a crash with an 18-wheeler.