How Dangerous are Trucks Blind Spots and How to Stay Safe

One of the difficulties of safely operating a commercial truck is keeping track of other traffic. Truck drivers often cannot see other motorists who are near the truck. However, this reality does not relieve the driver of needing to frequently check these areas and monitor traffic. The Doan Law Firm wants you to stay safe when driving around big trucks, but our seasoned truck accident attorneys in Houston are here for you if a negligent driver causes an accident.

What Are Blind Spots?

All vehicles have some blind spots. These are the areas near your vehicle where you cannot see another vehicle in one of your mirrors. However, trucks are taller, longer, and wider than most other types of vehicles, making their blind spots more pronounced.

Dangers of Blind Spot Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports approximately 840,000 blind spot accidents occur in the United States each year, which are responsible for about 300 fatalities. When a truck driver does not carefully monitor their blind spots, they can cause many different types of accidents, including:

• Pedestrian accidents in which they run over a pedestrian
• Sideswipe collisions when they hit a vehicle in an adjacent lane when changing lanes or turning
• Underride crashes in which they run over a smaller vehicle in an adjoining lane
• High-speed collisions when traveling on interstates

Blind spot truck accidents can result in fatalities and serious injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Amputations
• Broken bones
• Nerve damage
• Neck and back injuries

Some of these injuries can result in permanent disabilities that forever alter the lives of the victims and their families. A Houston personal injury attorney can help you pursue a legal claim for yourself or your loved one if they were impacted.

Where Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?

To stay safe around trucks, it’s helpful to know where a truck’s blind spots are:

• Front of the truck – 20 feet in front of the truck’s cab
• Rear of the truck – 200 feet behind the truck
• Left side of the truck – To the left of the truck from the side mirrors to the cab
• Right side of the truck – To the right of the truck from the mirrors to the rear of the truck, two lanes about 20 to 30 feet from the front of the truck

Tips to Drive Safely Around Trucks

In addition to staying out of these blind spots, some other tips you can follow to stay safe when driving around trucks include:

• Keep in mind that if you can’t see the truck driver in their mirror, they can’t see you.
• Avoid cutting off a truck.
• Pass only when you have at least 20 feet in front of the truck.
• Give plenty of space when following a truck, at least three seconds of following distance.
• Stay back when a truck is turning.
• Keep in mind that the driver may need two lanes to turn.
• Use turn signals so the driver can realize your intentions.
• Use your headlights so the driver can see your lights in their mirrors.

Call for Your Free Case Review

If you were injured by a truck driver who failed to check their blind spots, you have legal options. Contact The Doan Law Firm today for your free, no-obligation case review.