Dangers of Driving in a Truck’s Blind Spots
February 28, 2019
Driving on a busy highway means sharing the road with other vehicles, including large, commercial trucks. Driving next to one of these massive vehicles can be a bit intimidating due to the sheer size and weight of the truck compared to the average passenger vehicle. In fact, according to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), it can be downright dangerous.
The DOT estimates that there are more than 500,000 truck accidents each year, resulting in one person injured or killed in a truck accident every 16 minutes. The majority of these accidents occur when a passenger vehicle is driving in the truck’s blind spot, also known as the kill zone.
A truck’s blind spots are directly in front, directly behind, and along each side of the truck, particularly on the right side. Most motorists do not realize how dangerous it is to drive next to a commercial truck. The more time a passenger vehicle spends driving next to a truck, the more likely it is that a serious accident could occur.
According to one veteran truck driver with over 22 years of experience and over a million miles logged, all it takes is an unexpected lane change for a passenger vehicle to be involved in a devastating accident involving severe injuries or fatalities.
Tire Blowouts in Kill Zones
Tire blowouts are another serious hazard to other vehicles in the vicinity, and they are more common than you might think. If a blowout occurs, and a passenger vehicle is in the blind spot in the next lane, the tire can hit the other vehicle with such force that it pushes the car off the road. In addition, the truck driver can lose control of their vehicle and swerve into other lanes.
If the other motorists in the vicinity are unable to get out of the way in time, the large truck can cause serious damage and life-threatening injuries. The best thing a motorist can do if they see a truck with a tire blowout is to slow down or change lanes in order to steer clear of the truck.
A general rule of thumb to keep in mind when it comes to blind spots, or kill zones, is that if you cannot see the driver’s reflection in the side view mirror, you are in the truck’s blind spot, and you should move your vehicle immediately.
In the state of Maryland, if a vehicle’s windshield wipers are on, the headlights must be turned on as well. However, according to one local truck driver, some drivers do not turn their headlights on when it is raining because they say it reduces visibility. As a result, they may not see other vehicles approaching or in the immediate vicinity.
As more motorists become aware of the dangers of driving in a truck’s kill zones, the more likely it is that they can avoid a devastating accident.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Truck Accident Victims
If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, you are urged to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will take every step necessary to hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. 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.
