ORLANDO, Fla. – If you’ve ever found yourself driving next to a big rig on the highway, you know it can feel a little intimidating. But beyond their sheer size, there’s something many drivers don’t think about — the large blind spots truck drivers deal with every time they’re on the road.
These areas are known as “No Zones.”
No Zones are the spots around a semi-truck where the driver has little to no visibility of other vehicles. They exist along both sides of the truck, directly in front, and especially behind the trailer.
These blind spots are much bigger than those on a passenger car, meaning even a small car can disappear completely from the driver’s view.
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Cutting in front of a truck too soon is risky because these vehicles can weigh 20 times more than your car, which means they need much more space to stop. Likewise, staying too long in the side blind spots could put you in danger if the truck changes lanes.
- Avoid lingering in a truck’s side blind spots. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you.
- Give plenty of space when merging in front of a truck.
- Stay back and don’t follow too closely; the driver can’t see you directly behind the trailer.
Sharing the road safely with semi-trucks isn’t just about following the rules, it’s about showing respect for the challenges these drivers face every day. Remember, giving them space could save your life.
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