If you are a driver in South Bend, Indiana, you are definitely aware of the blind spots surrounding your vehicle. You may need to turn around and look over your shoulders before making a turn to avoid colliding with another vehicle in your blind spot.
With semi-trucks, these blind spots are known as “no-zones” and are really big. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these are areas around a semi-truck where the truck driver cannot see another vehicle through the mirrors or “over the shoulder” technique.
However, drivers who overlook these zones may end up causing unnecessary crashes. If you suffer an injury from an accident caused by a negligent truck driver, you may be able to recover damages. A South Bend truck accident lawyer at Blackburn Romey can help you pursue compensation for your injury and losses.
The Federal Highway Administration highlights four no-zone areas. These include:
The right side no-zone of a semi-truck refers to the area on the passenger side where the driver’s visibility is limited. It is the largest blind spot, and making a wide right turn for a semi-truck involves different mechanics than a smaller vehicle.
Usually, a truck driver will swing out wide to the left first before completing the right turn. Unfortunately, the truck driver most likely would not see a car inside the blind spot. Don’t risk your safety by passing a semi-truck on its right side.
Similarly, the left side no-zone involves the area on the driver’s left side where visibility is compromised. You need to avoid lingering in this blind spot, as the truck driver enjoys very little visibility through the side mirror.
If you want to pass a truck on the left side, do so quickly to get back into the driver’s visibility. Driving along the left side of the truck can be risky especially with sudden lane changes or merging.
The front side no-zone is the space directly in front of a semi-truck. These vehicles require an extended stopping distance, and if a car is too close in front, it limits the truck driver’s ability to react quickly to traffic conditions. When merging in front of a semi-truck, always leave a safe distance between the rear of your vehicle and the front of the semi-truck, usually at least one car length per 10 mph, to allow both the truck driver and surrounding motorists ample time to respond to changes in road conditions.
Drivers should be aware of the area that extends from the back of semi-trucks. If you tailgate a large truck, sudden stops or maneuvers can cause a serious truck accident since truckers don’t enjoy the benefit of a rear-view mirror like small vehicles do. The rear blind spot extends nearly 200 feet from the back of the big rig. Stay a safe distance behind a semi-truck to avoid rear-end accidents.
Although many semi-truck drivers in South Bend may understand their no zones and the risk they carry to other motorists, they may still be liable for the accidents they cause. You should consult an experienced trucking accident attorney from Blackburn Romey to help hold negligent or reckless truckers or trucking companies liable for any loss due to their actions. With years of experience with Indiana personal injury law, our team can work to hold the responsible party accountable. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
