Driving near big rigs can be intimidating and dangerous, especially on highways, congested roads, and in urban areas. Unlike passenger vehicles, semi-trucks and other commercial trucks have large blind spots, require longer stopping distances, and need extra space to maneuver turns and lane changes.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of collisions between passenger cars and large trucks.
These accidents often leave victims with life-changing injuries, financial struggles, and legal battles against powerful trucking companies. That’s why we’ve put together these critical truck safety tips to help all drivers stay safe while sharing the road with trucks and reduce the risk of preventable crashes.
Understand a Truck’s Blind Spots
Big rigs have large blind spots, also known as “No-Zones,” where truck drivers cannot see other vehicles. Unlike passenger cars, which have small blind spots, commercial trucks have extensive areas around them where visibility is completely blocked.
If you are in these blind spots when driving near big rigs, you increase the risk of being hit when the truck changes lanes, turns, or stops suddenly.
Because of their size and height, truck drivers rely heavily on their mirrors to monitor surrounding traffic. However, even with multiple mirrors, there are blind zones where smaller vehicles completely disappear from a truck driver’s view.
Where Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?
To safely share the road with trucks, drivers must be aware of where these blind spots are located and how to navigate around them safely. Remaining in these areas for too long increases the chances of a serious collision.
Front Blind Spot
A big rig’s front blind spot extends about 20 feet in front of the truck. This means that if a smaller vehicle merges too closely in front of a truck, the truck driver may not see it.
Because trucks require longer stopping distances, cutting too closely in front of a truck can result in a rear-end collision that can be severe or even fatal.
- Never cut in too closely in front of a truck after passing—make sure you see both truck headlights in your rearview mirror before merging.
- Give trucks extra space when braking suddenly to avoid getting rear-ended.
- Be cautious when merging onto highways—trucks take longer to slow down than cars.
Side Blind Spots
Truck drivers have limited visibility on both sides, but the right side has the biggest blind spot. Passenger vehicles driving alongside a truck—especially on the right side—are at high risk of being involved in a side-swipe collision if the truck changes lanes or makes a turn.
- Always pass on the left side of a truck when possible since the left-side blind spot is smaller.
- Avoid driving next to a truck for long periods—either speed up or slow down to stay out of the blind zone.
- If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, assume they cannot see you either.
How to Stay Safe Around Truck Blind Spots
Since truck blind spots are much larger than those in passenger vehicles, all drivers must take extra care to avoid staying in these No-Zones. Staying visible to truck drivers can reduce the risk of serious accidents.
- Pass quickly and safely—do not linger next to a truck while passing.
- Be patient with large trucks—don’t try to squeeze into a small gap in front of a truck.
- Always give trucks plenty of space when changing lanes, turning, or stopping.
- Use your turn signals early when merging near a truck—this allows truck drivers more time to react.
By understanding and avoiding a truck’s blind spots, drivers of passenger vehicles can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous crashes. Staying aware of your position relative to a big rig and practicing safe driving habits will help keep everyone on the road safer.
Give Trucks Extra Space
Big rigs require more time and distance to stop or react to sudden traffic changes. Following too closely or cutting in front of a truck increases the risk of rear-end crashes or jackknife accidents.
Why Trucks Need More Space
A fully loaded semi-truck can take twice as long to stop as a passenger vehicle. If you suddenly slow down or change lanes in front of a truck, the driver may not be able to stop in time.
Safe Following Distance
Always keep at least four seconds of distance between your vehicle and a truck in front of you. This gives you:
- More time to react if the truck brakes suddenly.
- A better view of the road ahead, since trucks block visibility.
Allow Trucks More Room to Turn
Trucks make wide right turns and often need two lanes to complete a turn. If you see a truck signaling a turn, never try to squeeze past it because you could get trapped.
- Give trucks extra space at intersections.
- Never drive in the gap between a turning truck and the curb.
Be Cautious When Passing a Truck
Passing a big rig requires extra caution because trucks have large blind spots, longer stopping distances, and slower acceleration. If passing is done improperly, it can lead to serious side-swipe accidents, underride collisions, or loss of control for both vehicles.
Best Practices for Passing Safely
When sharing the road with trucks, following safe passing techniques is crucial to preventing accidents and maintaining visibility. Giving trucks enough space and following the right passing procedures can help avoid dangerous situations.
Pass on the Left Side
Trucks have larger blind spots on the right side, making passing on the left side the safest option. When you pass on the left, you increase the chances of the truck driver seeing you, reducing the risk of an accidental lane shift or sudden collision.
- Always use your turn signal well in advance before passing a truck.
- Avoid lingering beside the truck—pass quickly and maintain a steady speed.
Maintain a Consistent Speed
When overtaking a truck:
- Don’t slow down mid-pass and maintain a steady speed.
- Avoid staying alongside the truck for too long, and complete the pass quickly.
Give the Truck Enough Space Before Merging
Merging too closely in front of a big rig can be extremely dangerous, as trucks require much more distance to slow down than passenger cars. If you cut off a truck too soon, the driver may not have enough time to react, leading to a rear-end collision or loss of control.
Adjust for Weather and Road Conditions
Driving near big rigs becomes even more dangerous in bad weather, as trucks take longer to stop and have reduced traction on slippery roads. Poor visibility caused by rain, fog, or snow also makes it harder for truck drivers to see surrounding vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
How Weather Affects Truck Safety
Large commercial trucks are more affected by severe weather than smaller vehicles because of their weight, size, and braking limitations. In bad weather, truck drivers must adjust their driving, but other motorists must also take extra precautions to avoid accidents.
Rain and Wet Roads
Heavy rain and wet roads create slippery conditions, making it harder for trucks to brake safely and maintain control. Truck tires can also create water spray, further reducing visibility for other drivers.
- Increase your following distance when driving behind a truck in rainy conditions.
- Avoid sudden lane changes or braking near trucks to prevent skidding or hydroplaning.
Strong Winds
Because of their large surface area, trucks can be pushed or swayed by high winds, which can lead to:
- Unexpected lane drifting—stay alert when driving near trucks.
- Tipping or rollovers, especially with empty trailers.
Stay Focused and Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, but it becomes even more dangerous when driving near big rigs. Large trucks require more time to stop and maneuver, so even a split-second distraction can result in a serious or fatal collision.
Staying alert and attentive when sharing the road with trucks is essential for everyone’s safety.
Common Driver Distractions to Avoid
Many accidents involving passenger vehicles and trucks happen because car drivers are not paying attention. Anything that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving increases the risk of a crash.
Using a Phone While Driving
Texting, making calls, or even checking notifications takes your focus off the road, making it nearly impossible to react in time if a truck slows down, merges, or stops suddenly.
- Texting or checking notifications takes your eyes off the road.
- Holding a phone reduces reaction time, especially when near large trucks.
Driving While Drowsy
- Fatigued driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
- Always take a break if you feel tired behind the wheel.
Drive Defensively and Stay Safe Around Big Rigs
Sharing the road with trucks requires extra awareness and caution. By following these truck safety tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and protect yourself and others on the road. If you are injured in a collision with a big rig, reach out to our skilled truck accident lawyers for help navigating your case.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we have seen how devastating truck accidents can be, and we fight for victims who have been injured by negligent truck drivers and trucking companies.
If you or a loved one has been in a truck-related accident, don’t wait—contact us at (833) ALI-AWAD today for a free consultation. Our team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve!
