Blind spot crashes remain a serious concern around large trucks

When driving a car, it’s easy to get into a truck blind spot and find it bearing down on you with little room for maneuver. A tractor-trailer has four large vehicle blind spots that are big enough to conceal a car, which is why truck blind spot collisions keep happening year after year. 

According to the IIHS, 5,340 people lost their lives in accidents with large trucks in 2024. The huge size and weight of tractor-trailers mean that blind spot accidents often have devastating outcomes for other road users.

Understanding Truck No-Zones

There are four so-called “no-zones” for trucks-large vehicle blind spots where it is almost impossible for truck drivers to see other vehicles. They are:

• Around 20 feet in front of the cab
• About 30 feet behind the trailer
• One lane to the driver’s side
• Two lanes to the passenger side

The zone to the right side of the truck is the largest and potentially the most dangerous. A car sitting level with the midpoint of the truck is effectively invisible.

Why Truck Blind Spot Accidents Are So Serious

When a car and a truck get into a wreck, it’s truly a David vs. Goliath situation. Trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than cars, so when the two collide, cars and their passengers always come off the loser. 

In 2024, 26% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in two-vehicle crashes with a large truck were in cars side-struck by the truck. 

Also, trucks need a 55-foot turning radius and must swing left before turning right. To a car behind, that looks like a lane change or a left turn. The driver moves up on the right, into the biggest no-zone, exactly as the trailer sweeps across it, with devastating results.

Improving Truck Visibility From the Cab

With so many people dying each year in truck accidents, large truck safety is a priority for trucking companies and states. Some have enacted measures to reduce the risk of serious accidents.

Popular measures include surround cameras and pedestrian alerts. They help truck drivers remain alert to all the dangers surrounding them by allowing them to see or hear a warning sound to indicate the presence of another vehicle or pedestrian from their elevated standpoint.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

A truck accident can be complex for several reasons, including:

• Risk of serious and fatal injuries
• Multiple responsible parties
• Federal and state trucking regulations

It’s important to seek trustworthy advice from New York truck injury lawyers before deciding how to make a claim. They can talk you through your rights and how to protect them.

Sharing the Road With Less Risk

Sharing the road with trucks is always going to be risky, but truck safety awareness can make a real difference. Understanding truck blind spot patterns makes it easier to take evasive action to avoid getting caught in a wreck that could end very badly. 

If you’ve enjoyed these practical tips, we’ve got more for you! Check out the rest of our blogs for useful insights and helpful hints today.