Avoiding Truck Accidents: What Is a Truck’s No Zone?

October 21, 2024 by Greg Baumgartner

Truck accidents are catastrophic, especially when vehicles enter a truck’s no-go zone. You want to know the location of these blind spots to avoid them and prevent possible collisions.

The Four No Zones of a Truck

Truck blind spots are called ‘no zones’ and are large areas where smaller vehicles can become invisible to the truck driver. The truck is a hazard on each side.

You need to be aware of these zones to protect yourself and your passengers on the road. If you or a loved one was injured in a Port of Houston zone on a truck, it is likely, that the trucking did not follow safety regulations, which means they can have a real impact on your compensation. A trusted 18-wheeler injury lawyer in Houston will explain and pursue your legal options to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Right Side No Zone

A truck’s blind spot is the largest and most dangerous one on the truck’s right side. This side of trucks is designed with reduced visibility, so drivers may not see smaller vehicles trying to pass or drive too close. The no zone can be several lanes out, and it’s crucial not to stay in this position for a long time.

Left Side No Zone

The left side of a truck is smaller than its right, but it’s still a hazard. The blind spot on the truck’s left runs from the cab backward. It’s always safer to pass trucks quickly on the left side, as staying in this area increases your chances of the driver losing sight of your vehicle. Left-turn truck accidents are common in the blind spot.

Front No Zone

The front no zone happens when a car is cut too close to the truck. Since trucks are so big, it takes much more time and space to stop. If drivers are wrong and underestimate this distance, a truck could rear-end smaller vehicles, resulting in very severe or fatal injuries.

Rear No Zone

Another blind spot is the rear of the truck. A truck driver won’t see a driver following too closely, and if the truck driver slows unexpectedly, there’s a risk of rear-ending the truck. If you stay a safe distance behind trucks, you will always be visible and able to react to changes in traffic.

Avoiding No Zones To Avoid Truck Crashes

Being in these blind spots is a disaster waiting to happen. When you are close to a truck, stay out of its no-zones, and always make sure the truck driver can see you in their mirrors. Truckers are required to keep a proper lookout.

Also, when merging, stopping, or turning your truck, leave lots of space between it and those around it. Driving defensively around big vehicles will help reduce the risk of a no-zone accident.

Trucks are heavier and require more time to stop, which means that cutting in front of one too closely can result in a rear-end collision, possibly where the truck can’t stop in time. Similarly, when behind a truck, leave ample space. Tailgating greatly increases the crash risk if a truck slows down or stops suddenly.

Featured Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/view-from-the-drivers-seat-of-a-truck-of-the-highway-and-a-landscape-of-fields-at-gm1435498550-476820682