What is the no-zone of a truck

All vehicles have blind spots — areas where the driver does not see potential dangers, such as passing cars, motorcyclists, or pedestrians. However, this danger is far more significant for 18-wheeler trucks and other commercial vehicles.

With their size and height, semi-trucks have extensive blind spots called “No-Zones.” Smaller vehicles are invisible to the truck driver in these spots, so driving in these zones increases the risk of accidents. To be safe, drivers near semi-trucks should slow down or move ahead to avoid the front, rear, and side No-Zones.

Where Are the No-Zones for a Truck?

Drivers of large trucks often fail to see passenger vehicles in their side mirrors. Due to the size and design of large trucks, they have several substantial blind spots where other vehicles become invisible to truck drivers. Located at the front, rear, and sides, these areas are “No-Zones.” Cars that linger in these areas are at a higher risk of being involved in a truck accident.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offers safety tips around big rigs. The basic rule of thumb is if you cannot see the truck driver’s face in their side mirror, the truck driver cannot see you or your car.

How Far Is the Front No-Zone of a Truck?

The front No-Zone is directly ahead of the truck. Depending on the truck’s height and size, this blind spot can stretch up to 20 feet. If a driver cuts too close in front of a truck or fails to keep a safe distance, they could risk being hit. Remember that your car is invisible to a truck driver while you are within the front No-Zone.

How Far Is the Rear No-Zone of a Truck?

The rear No-Zone on most trucks extends nearly 30 feet from the back. Unlike passenger vehicles, trucks don’t have rear-view mirrors. A truck driver cannot check that a lane is clear by looking over their shoulder. And while many cars have rear-view “back-up” cameras, most commercial vehicles do not. Driving in the rear No-Zone of a truck also blocks a vehicle driver’s vision of the road ahead. Following too close behind a large truck can be deadly.

How Far Are the Left and Right No-Zones of a Truck?

Truck drivers heavily rely on their side-view mirrors to check their surroundings. However, the side No-Zones on a truck’s left and right sides are extensive. While the left-side blind spot is typically smaller because the driver can look through the window, the right-side No-Zone is the length of the truck and may extend further outward. The average length of a tractor-trailer truck is 80 feet, so a truck driver will likely not see passenger vehicles anywhere along the side of the truck. Contact our Athens truck accident lawyer today.

What Can I Do to Be Sure I’m Not in a Truck’s No-Zone?

If you can’t see a truck driver in their side mirrors, assume they can’t see you. Here are some tips for ensuring you are not in a truck’s No-Zone:

• Stay visible – Adjust your speed and proximity to ensure you’re in a position where the driver can see you.
• Avoid tailgating – Tailgating places you in the rear No-Zone and reduces your reaction time if the truck stops suddenly. Leave enough room between your car and a truck in front of you.
• Pass safely – Always pass on the left, as the right side has a more prominent blind spot. When overtaking a truck, do it quickly but safely. Avoid lingering in the blind spots on either side.
• Avoid close encounters – If you need to merge in front of a truck, give plenty of space. Before merging, you should see the truck’s entire front in your rear-view mirror.
• Give turning trucks space – If a truck has its turn signal on, never try to squeeze by it or pass. Trucks make wide turns, especially on the right.
• Stay on the driver’s side – Avoid driving alongside a truck on its right side when possible.
• Stay alert – Trucks have limited visibility and maneuverability, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.
• Use headlights – Headlights can make your vehicle more visible to truck drivers even in daylight. Many cars now have daytime running lights that turn on and off with the ignition.
• Be patient – Trucks move differently from cars. They accelerate slower and take longer to stop. Be considerate and give them space and time to maneuver.

How Much Distance Does a Large Truck Need to Come to a Stop?

The FMCSA calculates that a loaded semi-truck needs at least twice as much stopping distance as a standard car. In terms of feet:

• A passenger car traveling 65 miles per hour needs at least 300 feet to stop.
• A tractor-trailer truck traveling 65 miles per hour needs at least 600 feet to stop.

To put this distance into more understandable terms, a loaded truck would need the length of two football fields or more to come to a complete stop when traveling at highway speeds. The faster the truck travels or the heavier the load, the more stopping distance it needs.

How Much Space Should I Leave Between My Vehicle and a Truck?

Always provide a cushion of at least four to six seconds when you drive behind a truck. When passing, ensure you can see the truck’s entire front in your rear-view mirror before merging back into the lane.

What Are the Most Common Truck Accidents?

The most common truck accidents involving No-Zone areas include frontal crashes, rear-end collisions, and sideswipe accidents. Other truck accidents include:

• Jackknifing
• Rollovers
• Tire blowouts
• Spilled cargo
• Turning accidents

Contact a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer

It’s crucial to understand the unique characteristics of large trucks to keep yourself safe on the road. However, truck accidents can happen regardless of the precautions you take. If you were injured in an accident with a commercial truck, the legal team with R. Alan Cleveland, LLC could help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Georgia truck accident lawyer.