It is essential to recognize the blind spots of trucks, those dangerous areas that the driver does not even see using mirrors!
Every year, these points cause terrible traffic accidents, especially in places where trucks make up a large part of traffic.
What are these blind spots? Why are they a serious danger to drivers and pedestrians? How can you protect yourself from them?
In this article, we will reveal to you everything you need to know about truck blind spots, and we will give you golden tips to avoid road accidents resulting from them. Keep reading, maybe this information will save your life one day.
What are the blind spots for trucks?
Truck blind spots are specific areas around a truck that the driver cannot see directly or through the side or rear mirrors.
These areas are much wider in heavy trucks than in regular cars, due to specific engineering and visual factors.
Where are the blind spots for trucks?
Each large truck has four dangerous areas that the driver never sees. They are as follows:
- front blind area
It is located 3 to 6 meters directly in front of the truck. If you are in a small car or motorcycle, it may disappear from the driver's eyes completely.
- rear blind area
It is located 30 meters behind the truck. The driver will never see you in the mirrors, so any sudden slowdown may be catastrophic.
- The left blind area
It is located next to the truck on the left, and the driver may see you in this area only if you are at the cab level.
- The Yemeni blind zone
It is the most dangerous area of all. It is located to the right of the truck. It may cover 3 traffic lanes. In this area, the driver does not see you at all and may not even see cars in the adjacent lanes.
Regardless of the size of the side or rear mirrors, they cannot cover all these areas, so you are responsible for protecting yourself by avoiding these dangerous points.
Truck blind spots are deadly areas that are invisible to the driver, where cars and pedestrians disappear, and may cause terrible accidents, especially when cornering or changing lanes.
The golden rule: look for the driver's face!
One of the most difficult things while driving alongside trucks is knowing if you're inside one of their blind spots or not.
However, there is a simple and effective rule that will help you identify this quickly, namely “Look for the driver's face.”
If you can see the truck driver's face clearly in one of the side mirrors, it means that he sees you and that you're relatively out of the blind spots.
If you can't see his face at all, consider yourself not in his visual field, which means he may not be aware of your presence next to or behind him.
Remember that trucks do not have the same maneuverability or quick stop as small cars, and any sudden movement by the driver may lead to a serious accident if you are in an area that is not visible to him.
Therefore, make it a constant habit while driving: “Look for the driver's face in the truck mirrors before approaching or overtaking. If you see him, you are in his field of vision. This makes your position safer. If you can't see it, move immediately to another position that ensures your appearance in his field of vision.
Adherence to this simple rule will help you not only protect yourself, but also keep drivers, pedestrians and all those who share the road safe.
Excerpt: The golden rule: If you don't see the driver's face in the mirror, they don't see you, so always check the truck mirrors before approaching or overtaking to avoid disappearing into a blind area.
The effect of different truck sizes on the widening of blind spots
The area of blind spots for trucks varies depending on the size of the truck, and the risk increases as the vehicle grows.
Short trucks have smaller blind areas, while these areas reach alarming proportions in large trucks.
For example, large trucks with a double trailer have a front blind area that extends up to 6 meters, compared to just 3 meters for small trucks.
It also has rear blind spots of up to 50 meters compared to 20 meters for short trucks, and side blind spots that cover 3 to 4 traffic lanes, compared to only two lanes in smaller trucks.
The dangers of blind spots for trucks
Blind spots are one of the most serious factors that threaten the safety of drivers and other road users because they are hidden areas that block visibility and increase the likelihood of accidents.
Whether you are a driver of a small vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or even pedestrian, blind spots may make you invisible to truck drivers, exposing you to the risk of collisions and serious injuries.
The most prominent accidents caused by blind spots
- Sudden lane change incidents
When a driver decides to change his lane without carefully checking the blind spots, he may crash into another vehicle driving next to him without noticing it. Such accidents lead to significant material losses and human injuries, especially on highways where speeds are high.
- Runs or collisions with road users
Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists are the most vulnerable, because they may disappear completely in the blind spots of a truck, and the driver may not notice them when turning or reversing, leading to painful accidents that may lead to painful accidents that may sometimes be fatal.
- Merger accidents on highways
When trying to blend into another lane, whether on highways or at intersections, the driver may not be able to see a vehicle coming from behind due to blind spots, resulting in a side or rear collision.
Tips to reduce the risk of truck blind spots
All road users should take precautionary measures to avoid the risk of blind spots, whether driving trucks or regular cars:
Tips for motorists to deal with truck blind spots
- Avoid driving alongside trucks for long periods. The driver may not notice you when you change lane or turn. The best thing is to overtake the truck at a safe speed or stay in a clearly visible place in its mirrors.
- Do not stop in front or rear blind spots. This puts you at risk if the truck suddenly moves backwards.
- Do not stop next to the truck at intersections, as this may make the truck driver unable to see you when you turn.
- Use traffic lights when overtaking a truck to inform the driver of your intention, and avoid overtaking on the right side, where the blind spots are larger.
- Keep a sufficient distance between your car and the truck. This gives you time to deal in case the driver has to brake or change course suddenly.
Excerpt: The right side of the truck is the most dangerous. It may cover 3 lanes of traffic, making it difficult to overtake from this side.
Tips for truck drivers to reduce the risk of blind spots
- Use technology, such as rear-view cameras and blind spot sensors, that alert drivers to the presence of vehicles or pedestrians in invisible areas.
- Adjust the side and rear mirrors carefully to reduce invisible areas. It is also preferable to use additional convex mirrors to expand the field of view.
- Don't rely only on mirrors, but check directly at the sides to make sure the path is clear before changing direction.
- Use traffic lights early when you intend to turn or change lanes to give other drivers enough time to respond.
- It's a good idea to take regular training courses on how to deal with blind spots and reduce the risks associated with them.
Muhtaf: Rear-view cameras and blind spot sensors significantly reduce truck accidents.
Tips for pedestrians and cyclists to reduce the risk of truck blind spots
- Stay away from trucks that are parked 3 to 5 meters, as they may suddenly move backwards.
- Try to make eye contact with the truck driver through mirrors or a window before you cross the road.
- If you can't see the driver's face, assume they can't see you and wait until you're sure you're safe.
- Use clear hand signals to attract attention truck drivers Before crossing over.
- Use designated pedestrian crossings, and wait for trucks to stop completely before crossing.
- Avoid parking between the truck and the curb, as there are dangerous blind areas.
- If you are on roads without sidewalks, you can walk in the opposite direction of traffic to see oncoming trucks.
- If you ride a bike, you should stay away from the right side of trucks, especially at curves.
- Wear bright clothes and colors and use lights at night to increase your chances of being seen.
- Do not stop parallel to the trucks at the signs, but advance a little to be in the field of view.
How to deal with blind spots in darkness or fog
Dealing with blind spots in darkness or fog requires taking protective measures to ensure safety, whether driving or walking.
The most important action to be taken when driving in these conditions is to reduce speed and use dim or foggy headlights, rather than high ones because they reflect light and reduce visibility.
You should also maintain a greater safety distance between vehicles, and focus on road lines or ground signs to guide movement.
As for pedestrians, it is preferable to wear reflective clothing and walk in places with clear lighting as much as possible while avoiding familiar roads.
Modern technologies such as rearview cameras and sensors can also be used, which may help detect obstacles in blind spots.
It is necessary to be patient and very attentive, especially difficult weather conditions It increases the reaction time.
It is preferable to postpone non-essential trips in cases of heavy fog or total darkness, as prevention is the best way to avoid accidents.
Special tips for old trucks that lack modern technology
What if you're driving an old truck that lacks modern technology systems such as rear-view cameras or crash sensors? Don't worry, there are effective ways to make up for it and ensure a safe ride:
- Adjust the side and rear mirrors precisely to reduce blind spots, and make sure they are always clean.
- Use traffic lights early, and give drivers of other cars enough time to notice your movements.
- Manually check blind spots by moving your head and looking behind you before changing lane or reversing.
- Invest in additional lighting such as side lights or reflectors to improve visibility at night or in difficult weather conditions.
- Be sure to Regular maintenance for brakes andtyres And the steering system because older trucks rely more on mechanical performance.
ultimatelyRemember that road safety is a shared responsibility among all road users, whether you are driving a huge truck, a small car, or even walking on your feet.
Being aware of the concept of truck blind spots and how to deal with them even in difficult roads and weather conditions may make the difference between a safe journey and an unfortunate accident.
Therefore, we recommend that you follow the simple tips we have reviewed while being patient and attentive, to be among those who contribute to making roads safer for all.
Don't forget to also constantly educate yourself about safe driving techniques and following the latest safety techniques will increase your awareness and ability to avoid dangerous situations. And keep your life and the lives of those around you.
