Have you ever changed lanes near a semi-truck and felt that moment of panic when the driver suddenly honked? That’s probably because the truck driver didn’t see you until it was almost too late. Commercial trucks have five major blind spots that can hide entire vehicles or highway lanes from view and raise your risk of getting into an accident.
Front blind spot extends much further
Truck drivers generally do not see anything within 20 feet of their front bumper. That’s about the length of a large SUV. Remember to consistently maintain at least a 20-foot buffer when driving or merging in front of a truck, especially if you’re driving a sedan, hatchback or smaller vehicle.
Rear blind spot hides entire vehicles
If you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirrors, they definitely couldn’t see you. The blind spot behind a commercial truck stretches approximately 30 feet or around two car lengths. That means tailgating puts you in this invisible zone.
Right-side blind spot spans multiple lanes
The right side is the most dangerous blind zone around any commercial truck. This massive blind area extends across two or even three lanes. Moreover, the blind spot runs nearly the entire length of the trailer—so the longer the truck, the larger the blind spot on the right side.
Left-side blind spot creates passing dangers
While smaller than the right-side zone, the blind spot on a truck’s left side still spans one lane and reaches back about halfway along the trailer. This creates significant risk during passing maneuvers. As much as possible, complete your pass within 10-15 seconds to minimize time in this danger zone and the risk of side-swipe accidents.
Deceptive right turn zone
Large trucks need extra space to turn right and create temporary blind spots as the trailer cuts across lanes. Many drivers mistakenly try to squeeze between the truck cab and the curb during these maneuvers.
Stay visible to stay safe
Avoiding blind spots significantly reduces your accident risk. Moreover, understanding these truck “no-zones” not only keeps you safe but could prove crucial if you ever get into an accident.
Personal injury claims after a truck collision can hinge on proving you drove responsibly around commercial vehicles. Dashcam footage showing you maintained appropriate distance and position around the truck helps strengthen your case.