Driving near a semi-truck can be nerve-wracking, especially when you are passing and must drive through the semi-truck blind spots. These blind spots, also known as the “semi-truck no zone,” are the areas around the truck where the driver cannot see, even using their mirrors. Just like smaller passenger cars, truck blind spots are typically located along the sides and slightly behind the vehicle, only on a much larger scale.

Truck drivers must be aware of these blind spots and are required to check them before merging lanes to ensure they are clear. When a truck driver fails to check their blind spot and causes an accident, they could be considered negligent.

What Is the No Zone of Semi-Trucks?

Semi-truck “no zones” refer to large blind spots for semi-truck drivers where the driver’s view is obstructed. Semi-truck blind spots are larger than those of a typical passenger vehicle. The truck driver cannot see other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians in these no zones, and staying in them too long increases the risk of being involved in a truck accident.

Semi-truck blind spots are on all four sides of the vehicle, and each area poses a unique danger.

• Front. The front no zone is the area in front of the cab of the truck that obstructs the driver’s view of the road directly in front of the vehicle. This no zone extends approximately 20 to 30 feet, or 1 ½ to 2 car lengths.
• Rear. Semi-trucks have a large blind spot behind the trailer that extends as much as 30 feet, or 2 to 3 car lengths. Truck drivers cannot see vehicles driving behind them, which creates a risk of an accident if the semi-truck needs to stop suddenly.
• Left side. Semi-trucks have a blind spot in the lane directly along the left side of the truck where vehicles are no longer visible in the truck’s mirrors.
• Right side. The blind spot along the right side of the truck is larger than that on the left, extending to the two lanes on the semi-truck’s right side.

How Do You Know If You’re in a Semi-Truck Blind Spot?

It can be difficult to know if you are in a semi-truck blind spot. Here are some suggestions to avoid driving in a semi-truck no zone so you can avoid being involved in a serious trucking accident.

• Check the truck’s mirrors. If you cannot see the truck’s side view mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.
• Look for the truck driver’s face. When passing a semi-truck, glance in the truck’s side mirrors. If you cannot see the driver’s face, the driver likely cannot see you.
• Maintain an assured clear distance in the front and rear. The truck no zone extends 20 to 30 feet to the front and rear of the semi-truck. The truck driver cannot see you in either of these areas. Also, remember that semi-trucks require as much as 40% more stopping distance than a passenger vehicle. Leave enough distance for the semi-truck to stop, and stay out of these front and rear no zones.

Safe Driving Tips to Avoid a Semi-Truck Blind Spot Accident

While semi-truck drivers have a duty to monitor their blind spots, drivers should protect themselves by avoiding semi-truck blind spots when possible and getting out of them quickly and safely. Here are some safe driving tips to avoid a semi-truck blind spot accident:

• Slow down or speed up as necessary to avoid staying in the semi-truck blind spot for too long.
• When possible, pass a semi-truck on the left side, where driver visibility is better.
• Use your turn signal, give the truck driver time to notice you, then pass the semi-truck as quickly and safely as possible.
• Avoid merging directly in front of or behind a semi-truck, as you will likely be in a semi-truck blind spot.
• Do not tailgate semi-trucks.

Truck Driver Liability for a Semi-Truck Blind Spot Accident

Being in a semi-truck blind spot during a truck accident does not eliminate the truck driver’s liability. Commercial truck drivers are trained to monitor semi-truck blind spots and must remain aware of their surroundings, including drivers moving into their blind spots. When a truck accident occurs because the truck driver failed to check the semi-truck blind spots, the truck driver can still be held liable for injuries and other damages they caused.

The Truck Accident Injury Attorneys at Muth Law, P.C., Can Help

If you were injured or a family member was killed in a trucking accident, the truck accident injury lawyers at Muth Law can help. With over four decades of experience practicing Michigan personal injury law, our truck accident injury attorneys know how to investigate the cause of a semi-truck accident and prove the truck driver was responsible for causing your injuries.

Let our law firm take the financial worries off your plate so you can focus on your health and your family. Muth Law handles truck accident injury claims on a contingency fee, which means you won’t pay us an attorney fee unless we recover money for you.

Contact a Truck Accident Injury Attorney at Muth Law Today

Muth Law is based in Ann Arbor and represents injured people in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County and throughout Michigan. Please contact us to schedule a free, confidential appointment to discuss your truck accident injury matter. Call 734-481-8800 or contact us via e-mail. We look forward to serving your family.