Accidents involving large trucks cause some of the most severe and life-altering injuries of any kind of motor vehicle accident. The size and weight of these vehicles lead to extensive damage, making the need for legal representation after an accident much more critical.
From tip-overs and distracted drivers to tire explosions and failing brakes, the possibility of accidents is high with tractor-trailers. One of the biggest concerns for drivers who must share the road with semi-trucks is how they can avoid accidents by staying visible to the drivers.
Sharing the Road Safely with Tractor Trailers
Drivers cannot always avoid accidents with semi-trucks, but everyone on the road can use defensive driving tactics to stay as safe as possible. For instance, the following driving behaviors are a good idea whenever you are on the road, but especially when driving around semi-trucks:
- Don’t follow too closely
- Stay alert and watch for erratic driving behavior from other drivers
- Be patient
- Consider the extra space trucks need for turning
Many of the tips you’ll hear for driving safely around tractor-trailers are common knowledge, but there is one piece of advice that confuses many people – truck blind spots.
What are Large Blind Spots on Trucks?
There are multiple blind spots around a tractor-trailer that drivers should be aware of. Some are larger than others, but each one poses a risk for motorists. Semi blind spots are located in the following areas:
- Directly in front of the truck’s cab and slightly toward the passenger side
- Close behind the trailer of the truck
- On both sides of the truck
The general rule is that if you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, then the driver cannot see you.
So, what are the large blind spots on trucks called? They’re called no-zones, and you should avoid spending too much time in these areas. It is not always possible to stay out of them completely, but it is advisable to limit the amount of time you spend in the blind spots or no-zones.
Some semi-trucks have special mirrors that extend their field of vision and limit blind spots, but it is unlikely that visibility is completely restored this way.
Semi-Truck Negligence and Accidents
The responsibility doesn’t fall solely on drivers of other vehicles; truck drivers have a duty to operate their trucks safely and consider the danger that their negligence presents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules and guidelines for truck drivers, including:
- Restrictions on work hours
- Cargo storage requirements
- Height and weight restrictions
- Georgia also has state laws regarding large semi-trucks that are intended to keep the roads safer.
Georgia Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
When large commercial truck drivers don’t follow the regulations, or they drive drowsy, the consequences are severe. After a truck accident, filing a legal claim against the at-fault party is essential for your physical, financial, and emotional recovery.
Flanagan Law has extensive experience fighting for justice for our clients after truck accidents. We can help you put the pieces back together, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
