A blind spot on a semi-truck is not small. There is a whole road area behind the vehicle to the right and left that the driver can’t see by only using the vehicle's side and rearview mirrors. While checking the mirrors before changing lanes is essential, it is not enough. Semi-truck drivers should also look behind them to avoid any accidents.
The Driver's Manual of New York instructs drivers to constantly look over their shoulders before passing or changing lanes and never rely only on mirrors alone. Blind spots increase the risk of vehicle accidents, and the risk is even higher for motorcycle and bicycle riders. If interested, here is some information on the chances of surviving a motorcycle accident in NY.
Motorcyclists and bicyclists are encouraged to drive predictably and visibly. Since motorcycles and bicycles are smaller, they can be undetectable within a vehicle's blind spot. Still, no amount of warning or diligence will protect them from a semi-truck driver who doesn't check their vehicle's blind spots before changing lanes.
Where Are the Semi Truck's Blind Spots
Some New York residents, particularly those who have never drove a large vehicle or those without a driver's license, may not consider the large blind spots that semi-truck drivers must contend with every day.
Every person needs to learn where these areas are to have fewer accidents on the streets of New York. If a person is involved in an accident, they can reach out to the truck accident lawyers in Long Island NY.
Blind Spot #1: In Front of the Semi-truck
Most people think that semi-truck drivers have complete visibility in front of the vehicle. However, most big trucks have a blind spot directly at the front, making it very challenging for the drivers to see.
It's essential to make eye contact or wait for a signal from the driver before walking or riding a bike in front of the vehicle. The driver also needs to be aware of pedestrians on the street and not be distracted.
Blind Spot #2: On Both Sides of the Semi-truck
Down both sides of a large truck, drivers have blind spots that make it very difficult for them to see anything beside the vehicle. The truck's right side has a more prominent blind spot than the left.
Since the driver operates the vehicle from the left side, it’s easy to look out from the window and get greater visibility on that side. However, on the right side, the driver has no additional tools to give them an idea of what is happening in the blind spot, except the right rear mirror.
Blind Spot #3: Behind the Semi-truck
There is also a blind spot behind the semi-truck that can cause severe injuries. A large truck driver might not know what is happening behind them.
The driver in a passenger vehicle has a rearview mirror that offers visibility, and they can also turn around to look at the back of their trunk. However, semi-truck drivers don't have a rearview mirror, nor can they turn around to look at the back of their trucks.
A driver that plans to reverse a truck must use their side-view mirrors to perform the maneuver. If anyone sees a big truck backing up, it’s a good idea to get out of its way.
How to Avoid Blind Spot Accidents
Driving in a semi truck's blind spots may lead to road accidents and trucks may or may not cause more accidents than cars in NY. A car driving beside a semi-truck could be at risk if the trucker needs to change lanes. When a vehicle is driving too closely behind the big rig, its driver also cannot see traffic ahead and will be unaware that sudden stops are coming.
There are several tips to reduce the risk of a blind spot truck accident.
Properly adjusting a car's mirrors will eliminate its blind spots.
If a car driver can't see the truck's mirrors in front of them, they are too close to the it.
Everyone must use signals when changing lanes.
The time in a blind spot needs to be minimal while speeding up to pass a truck.
When passing a truck, the driver mustn't move over until they see the front of the truck in their rearview mirror.
A driver should never pass a tractor-trailer on the right side because it's impossible for a truck driver to see the vehicle.
Conclusion
Blind spot accidents with semi-trucks and other large vehicles can be disastrous. These collisions can result in injuries and even death. For these reasons, it is vital to contact an attorney immediately after any commercial vehicle accident.
Schedule a free consultation with a professional truck injury attorney at The Law Office of Carl Maltese today by calling (631) 857-3703.