How the Blind Spot can Lead to Fatal Wrecks
We know that when driving there are blind spots. These areas where it’s difficult, if not impossible, to see create a danger zone that. If the other driver happens to change lanes while you’re located in the blind spot, they may not realize that you’re driving there.
How does that blind spot change between a passenger vehicle and a commercial vehicle? What technology is available to prevent blind spot collisions? Keep reading as the Car Crash Captain lays it all out for you.
Understanding the Blind Spots of Commercial Trucks
While a blind spot in a passenger car is small, sometimes non-existent, that’s not the case with commercial trucks.
For about 20 feet in front of them, the trucker can’t see what’s coming up. Merging in too soon after passing means you’re slipping right into where they can’t see.
Behind the big rig is an even larger area. Because of the size of the trailer, the mirrors can’t catch site of you if you’re within 30 feet of their bumper.
Along the sides are larger blind spots. Especially the passenger side, where the mirrors have trouble seeing, the blind spot can extend from near the cab all the way to the rear of the trailer.
What Can Truck Drivers do to Avoid Collisions?
To prevent wrecks with vehicles in their blind spots, truck drivers have several options to ensure they’re not accidentally colliding with someone they don’t see.
Modern vehicles are equipped with detection systems. You may even have them on your vehicle – a little light on the mirror that illuminates when someone is next to you so you don’t accidentally merge into them.
Proper training and using convex mirrors eliminate quite a few of the accidents that occur.
Finally, maintaining the trucks is essential – especially keeping them clean so those mirrors aren’t obscured in any way.
What Can Other Motorists do to Avoid Collisions?
If you’re hit while driving in the truck’s blind spot, the trucker will most likely be at fault. But if you’re permanently disabled, or killed, it doesn’t matter who is at fault, your life is still turned upside down. So, there are ways for passenger vehicles to help ensure safety.
The biggest thing is to stay out of those blind spots. Don’t creep up close behind the truck, even if they’re stopped at a light. Don’t merge back in too soon – if you cut in front, and the driver was looking at something else, they may not even know you’re there.
When passing, make sure you pass through the blind spot quickly. Remember, if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you (there are some times when you can see the mirror and they still can’t see you).
Finally, be extra aware when a truck is turning. They need more room, and do wider turns, if you’re in the blind spot and they’re turning, you might get swept away.
After a Truck Wreck, You Need Herbert Law Group
Because of the complications that can arise with these truck accidents, victims almost always need a commercial vehicle accident lawyer. That’s why Herbert Law Group is here.
Our job is to make sure the insurance company doesn’t stiff you on a settlement. There will be needs that arise later in life, and only with an attorney can you successfully argue for what you need.
Let’s talk about what happened. Call our office at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll reach out to you for a free conversation.