The Unique Dangers of Semi-Truck Blind Spots
October 17, 2018
Most vehicles have a blind spot where the driver’s eyes, and the vehicle’s mirrors, cannot see a potential hazard, like a car or motorcycle, passing from behind. However, commercial tractor-trailers have particularly large blind spots, due to the sheer size of the vehicle.
When sharing the road with these massive trucks, it is important to be able to recognize where the blind spots are, so that you can avoid being involved in a devastating truck accident.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were over 3500 fatal truck accidents in the United States in 2015. As you can imagine, when a passenger vehicle is involved in a collision with an 80,000-pound truck, it is almost always the occupant of the passenger vehicle who suffers the most serious injuries.
Oftentimes, the victim does not survive the crash. Therefore, it is imperative that motorists understand exactly where a truck’s blind spots are located, so that they can avoid them.
Blind Spot Locations
Large trucks and tractor-trailers have multiple blind spots that all motorists should be aware of, including the following:
In front of the truck: Because the cabin is so high off the ground, there is a certain distance directly in front of a large truck where the driver cannot see other vehicles. Trucks also require greater distance to come to a complete stop.
If you are in front of a truck, and come to an abrupt stop, there is a good chance that you will be hit from behind by the truck if you are too close. This can have severe, even fatal consequences.
Sides of the trailer: While most trucks have blind spots on both sides of the truck, the right blind spot is particularly dangerous. This is because it can run the entire length of the trailer and the cab. In addition, it can extend out as far as three lanes.
Therefore, passing a truck on the right can be extremely dangerous. Avoid passing a truck on the right, or even driving to the right of a truck, if at all possible.
Behind the trailer: When driving behind a large truck, make sure you are not following too closely, as the truck driver will not be able to see you. Large trucks do not have rear view mirrors, which means that the truck driver cannot see vehicles if they are directly behind the truck. Ideally, you should follow about 200 feet or more behind the truck.
If you are following too closely, and the truck stops abruptly, you could crash into the rear of the truck. Even though all trucks are equipped with rear underride guards, some are stronger and more effective than others. As such, you could suffer serious, life threatening injuries.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Compensation for Victims of Truck Accidents
If you have been seriously injured in a blind spot truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We have a proven track record of securing settlements for victims of these devastating truck accidents. We will not stop fighting for you until we have secured the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
