Truck's blind spots are not just inconvenient for everyone; they're downright life-threatening. Each truck has its own unique set of blind spots. However, not anyone knows that there is more than one type of truck blind spot.
This article will introduce all the types of truck blind spots and how to avoid them. There are a few common ones that most trucks have, but the smaller details vary from vehicle to vehicle.
What Is a Truck Blind Spot?
A blind spot is any area on the road that people can't see while driving. These are known as the "blind spots" because drivers can't see any vehicles or obstacles in these road areas. Trucks have two main blind spots: the back of the cab and the sides of the trailer.
To identify the blind spots on a truck, drivers must recognize the front and back of the vehicle. What is unseeable in these areas is considered a truck's blind spot. While each truck has unique blind spots, there are three main types each driver must commonly find. These are the trailer, side, and back blind spots. These blind spots are also on garbage trucks. Learn more on what happens if you are injured by a garbage truck in New York.
The Three Most Common Types of Truck Blind Spots
According to the FMCSA, one-third of all semi-truck-car collisions occur in blind zones. The majority of blind spot incidents occur as a result of the truck driver's inadequate visibility. There are three common types of truck blind spots. These include:
Trailer Blind Spots
The areas behind a semi-truck trailer. While drivers may be able to see the trucker's back from the outside, the trucker can't see their car, so it's essential to stay outside when driving next to a semi-truck.
Side Blind Spots
These are areas on the truck's sides that aren’t noticeable from the inside due to the truck's size.
Back Blind Spots
This covers the area directly behind the cab. Drivers may be able to see the trucker's back from the outside, but the trucker can't see them.
Over the Road Safety Tips for Trucks with Blind Spots
When driving with a truck that has blind spots, truckers must be extra vigilant on the road to help prevent accidents from happening. If an accident occurs, the driver may want to contact one of the many truck accident attorneys in Long Island NY. While drivers may know the blind spots on their trucks, others may not. Here are a few more tips to keep everyone safe while on the road:
Drivers need to be prepared to stop. They must always be ready to stop if a truck approaches them from any blind spots. If a truck is approaching, they must stay outside their blind spots.
When in another car, drivers should not assume the trucker knows they're there. Staying outside the truck's blind spots is a safer way to drive around them.
Trucks may have trouble fitting in tight areas. If a driver is in an area with a small space, they must be patient. Trucks may take a bit longer to get through.
Drivers need to give trucks extra space when noticing them. Trucks take longer to stop than cars do.
Semi-truck Bumper Overrides
A semi-truck bumper override, or "bumper override," is when the truck's bumper goes into another car's bumper. This override usually happens when the car is in a blind spot, and the trucker doesn't notice that the car is there.
Many truckers have installed a bumper override to ease their minds when driving. Moreover, this device is essentially a sensor that tells the trucker if anything is in the truck's blind spots. Car drivers may also see this device referred to as "blind spot monitoring" by their trucker friends. Anyway, even if the trucker doesn't see the car, they'll be alerted by the device.
Conclusion
Driving a truck is a lot different than driving a car. Trucks have certain blind spots, including large blind spots that cars don't have. While car drivers may be able to see the trucker's back from the outside, truckers can't see them. It would be best to stay outside their blind spots to be safe.
Additionally, trucks take longer to stop and get through tight areas than cars do. Staying outside of a truck's blind spots will increase safety on the road. Car drivers should also remain patient when they see a truck on the road.
Regarding any accident with a truck, getting a free consultation from The Law Office of Carl Maltese will help with any personal injuries that victims may have after the incident.
Comments