The term “no-zone” refers to the areas on or around a large commercial truck where smaller automobiles are not visible to the truck driver. It is important for ALL DRIVERS (not just truck drivers) to realize where these areas are and the dangers these areas can create.
The no-zone areas of a truck make driving next to it, especially at high speeds on a highway, very dangerous. Frequently, because of the size of the truck, they are not able to slow down as quickly as other vehicles, and so truck drivers and other drivers near trucks on motorways need to be extra defensive in order to avoid accidents.
Where are the no-zones?
There are several different no-zones on large trucks.
- Side no-zones—the side no-zones are the largest and most notorious blind spots on a truck. Most of the area on either side of the truck can be part of its no-zone. To ensure that you are not caught in one of these blind spots, keep this simple rule in mind: If you can see the driver of the truck in the truck’s side mirrors, then the driver can see you. If you cannot see the driver of the truck, the driver cannot see you.
- Front no-zone—the cab on a commercial truck is very large and high, and so it is possible for smaller vehicles to fall out of sight if they are located too close to the front of the cab. Make sure to drive a safe distance in front of a large truck so that the truck driver is sure to see you in front of the cab.
- Rear no-zone—most large trucks have a rear no-zone as well. If driving behind a large truck, make sure that you are far enough behind the truck that the driver can see you in the side mirrors.
Highway safety is the responsibility of all drivers, and so truck and smaller automobile drivers alike must act courteously and responsibly to keep our roadways safe for everyone.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an car crash or truck crash, contact the Minneapolis truck / car accident lawyers at Terry, Slane & Ruohonen, P.L.L.C. today at 612-362-0000 to schedule a free consultation. Steve Terry, Chuck Slane, and Rich Ruohonen are consistently named Super Lawyers by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and Law & Politics. They have years of experience in personal injury law with excellent results.
