In a previous blog post, you learned some tips to driving safely around large trucks. One of those tips mentioned the trucks “no zones.” In order to stay safe and to be able to share Louisiana roadways with trucks and avoid accidents, you must completely understand what the “no zones” are and why they are so critical.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “no zones” are essentially just another name for a blind spot. Every vehicle has them, but for large trucks, they are bigger and there are more of them. As you probably know from driving your own vehicle, if something is in your blind spot, you have no idea it is there, which can lead to all types of accidents. With a large truck, any accident is likely to be serious because they are so much bigger than you and your vehicle. If you get bumped by another car, for example, there may not be much damage. However, if a semi bumps into you, it could run your vehicle over or push you completely off the road. In other words, it is something you want to avoid.
The blind spots of a large truck include the are right behind it, just as with your vehicle, except, the driver cannot see up to 30 feet behind the truck. The areas immediately beside it are another blind spot, but for a truck this covers the lane to its left and two lanes to the right. In addition, a truck driver cannot see right in front of it for 20 feet. Always follow the general rule that if you cannot see the driver’s face in the side mirror, then he or she cannot see you. This information is intended to educate only and is not legal advice.
