Driving near large trucks, particularly in Texas where highways are unusually populated by commercial vehicles, can be risky if drivers are unaware of any particular truck’s blind spots. These large vehicles feature significant “no-zones” wherein a truck driver has limited or no visibility. Failing to navigate these blind spots effectively can result in serious accidents.
If you’re driving down a seemingly endless road anywhere in Texas, you’ll want to keep a particular eye out for the following blind spots:
- In front of a truck: The blind spot in front of a truck extends about 20 feet. Because of a truck’s height, a truck driver cannot see vehicles that are too close in front of them. If a car brakes suddenly in this area, a truck may not have enough time to stop.
- Directly behind a truck: The blind spot behind a truck extends approximately 30 feet. Due to the size of a truck’s trailer, truck drivers cannot see vehicles that follow too closely. Staying in this area increases the risk of a rear-end collision if a truck stops suddenly.
- On the sides of a truck: Trucks have large blind spots on both sides, particularly on the right. The right-side blind spot is the largest, extending several lanes, and it’s difficult for truck drivers to see vehicles in this area. The left side blind spot is smaller but still dangerous.
You need to be aware of these spots when it comes to every single truck you approach. Underestimating the challenges of these scenarios could – quite literally – get you killed.
What can be done?
The general rule is that if you cannot see a truck driver in their side mirrors, they cannot see you. Always avoid lingering in a truck’s blind spots, especially on the right side and directly behind a truck or any other particularly large vehicle.
Then, when overtaking a truck, do so quickly and on its left side, where its blind spot is smaller. Once you have passed the truck, make sure to signal and move well ahead of it before merging back into your original lane (if applicable).
Finally, always give trucks plenty of space when cutting in front or when driving behind them. This can help you to avoid situations wherein a truck cannot stop in time to avoid a collision.