Surveillance and awareness of others are both critical for safety in traffic. People need to not only visually identify approaching vehicles and people but must also try to gauge their likely future choices.
Brake lights, turn signals and even traffic lights help drivers understand the conduct of others. However, they must be able to see the other party clearly to assess the situation for signs of imminent maneuvers. For those driving close to semi-trucks, the large blind spots around the truck can impact traffic safety.
Where are the blind spots?
There are three key areas that are blind spots for semi-truck drivers. They typically cannot see directly behind their trailer without specialized cameras added to their vehicles. Even with extra mirrors, they may struggle to see vehicles to the left of their trailer. They also typically have blind spots that cover the two lanes to the right of the trailer.
Drivers generally need to avoid staying in those blind spots for extended periods to limit their risk of getting hit by a commercial truck. Drivers should also be aware that they experience a blind spot when they follow a semi-truck and decide to pass it. They may not be able to see approaching oncoming traffic to the left of the semi-truck when they are directly behind a trailer. Being aware of those blind spots can help reduce the likelihood of a devastating crash.
Sadly, crashes can still occur when truck drivers fail to actively check their blind spots before merging or turning. Motorists involved in commercial vehicle collisions often require support as they handle complicated insurance claims or prepare to file lawsuits.