What Are Truck No-Zones, and Do They Contribute to Accidents?

Commercial trucks have several “no-zones,” which are blind spots that limit the truck driver’s visibility when merging, changing lanes, and making wide turns. Understanding where these no-zones are can help you avoid accidents, as you can attempt to steer clear of truck drivers’ blind spots when driving near them.

If you’ve already been involved in a truck accident, knowing where those no-zones are may be able to help you understand why the accident occurred. 

Where Are Truck No-Zones? 

Commercial trucks have fewer mirrors and windows than passenger vehicles. As a result, a truck driver does not have complete visibility on all sides of their vehicle. They must be aware of any traffic on either side and both in front and behind the truck at all times to avoid accidents. 

A semi-truck’s no-zones are located in the following areas:

• The front of the truck: A truck driver generally cannot see up to 20 feet directly in front of their vehicle. This is because of the height difference between trucks and passenger vehicles. A truck may be higher up than a smaller passenger vehicle in front of it, limiting the driver’s visibility. 
• Behind the truck: A truck driver cannot generally see up to 30 feet behind their vehicle. Trucks don’t have rearview mirrors or rear windows that allow drivers to see activity directly behind the truck. But their side mirrors can pick up activity farther than 30 feet behind them. 
• To the right of the truck: Truck drivers have very limited visibility in the two lanes directly to the right of their trucks. This blind spot spans a diagonal slant from the truck’s cab to its rear across both lanes directly to the right of the truck. If you are in this area and cannot see the driver’s face in their mirror, they likely cannot see you. 
• To the left of the truck: The no-zone to the left of the truck is smaller than the one on the right-hand side but is still significant. Drivers generally cannot see cars adjacent to them in the first lane to the left of the truck. 

If you enter any of these no-zones, the truck driver likely cannot see you. 

Do Truck No-Zones Contribute to Accidents?

No-zones contribute significantly to accidents. Truck drivers should be aware of all activity surrounding their vehicles before changing lanes or merging onto the highway. Neglecting to check their blind spots could lead truck drivers to strike other vehicles.

Modern trucks have cameras and sensors to help drivers be aware of blind spot activity. But truck drivers cannot rely solely on technology; they must manually ensure that no one is in their blind spots before merging. 

Who Is Liable in a Truck Blind Spot Accident? 

If a truck driver causes an accident because another vehicle was in their no-zone, the truck driver is still likely liable for the accident. Other drivers cannot avoid truck blind spots at all times, and truck drivers are responsible for ensuring these areas are clear before they make any move in their truck.

Contact Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. to Discuss Your Legal Options

If you were injured in a truck accident, let our attorneys at Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. help you seek compensation and begin moving forward from this devastating event. We’ll calculate your medical bills and other damages from the accident scene, including wrongful death if applicable, and seek adequate compensation to cover your expenses and hardships from the accident in full. 

We have extensive experience helping victims of truck crashes secure compensation. Contact Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. online today to schedule your consultation or give us a call at (800) 433-2408.