What is a No-Zone?

Semi-trucks have significant blind spots compared to passenger vehicles, also referred to as no-zones. They extend to the front, back, and both sides of large trucks. As a result, many accidents occur when vehicles travel in a truck’s no-zone.

The Four Major No-Zones

Large trucks have four major blind spots:

Left Side Under Mirror and Extending Back

From the driver’s door toward the back of the truck, visibility is challenging. Any vehicle in the left lane traveling behind the driver’s door is not visible to the truck driver.

Right Side Under Mirror and Extending Back

Similar to the left side, from the right side of the semi’s cab towards the back of the truck is a large blind spot. Vehicles traveling in one or two lanes over from the right of the truck and behind the cab may not be visible to the driver.

Behind the Truck (30+ Feet)

There is a blind spot of at least 30 feet behind a truck. Therefore, drivers must be careful not to drive too close.

Front of Truck (20+ Feet)

When driving in front of a semi-truck, the driver cannot see vehicles within the 20 feet zone immediately in front of them. As a result, it can be dangerous for drivers traveling directly in front of a large truck since semis need more time to slow down and stop.

As a good rule of thumb, if you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirrors, then they cannot see you. A primary factor in why semi-trucks have such large no-zones is because they do not have rearview mirrors. Other factors include the vehicle’s height and length.

How to Drive Safely Around Trucks

Here are some safety tips to help you avoid an accident in a truck’s no-zone.

• Never linger in a truck’s no-zone if you must travel in it.
• Always pass a large truck on the left side and take extra care. It is easier for a truck driver to see another vehicle on its left side compared to the right.
• Before passing, check that you can see the truck driver in their side mirror while maintaining your speed.
• Always use your signals when passing a truck and allow enough time for the driver to see your intentions and adjust accordingly.
• After passing a large truck, don’t move directly in front of it. Wait until you can see the entire semi-truck in your rearview mirror.
• Try to remain patient and remember that trucks can only move so fast.
• Keep your distance, especially when a truck may make a turn because they require extra space.
• If you cannot see a semi-truck’s side mirrors when traveling behind one, you are probably following too closely. If the truck driver stops suddenly, there is a risk of an underride accident, which occurs when a car slides under the truck’s trailer.
• Avoid distractions and stay focused on where a semi-truck is at all times.
• Lower your vehicle’s high beams if you see an oncoming large truck. Bright lights can impair the truck driver’s visibility.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck collision, you may be able to recover compensation. Speak with an experienced truck accident attorney in Las Vegas to learn more about your legal options.