Avoiding Accidents With 18-Wheelers: Tips For Staying Out Of a Truck’s Blind Spots

While all vehicles have blind spots, they’re noticeably larger on 18-wheelers, which also makes these blind spots significantly more dangerous. There are four blind spots you want to avoid driving in: on either side of the truck, behind the trailer, and in front of the cab.

If you’re in a truck’s blind spot, the driver can’t see you and this can lead to an accident. To help you avoid an accident, here are some tips for avoiding truck blind spots.

Know Which Side Of a Truck To Pass On

Surprisingly, it can make a difference which side of a truck you pass on. So, which is the right and wrong side of a truck? When you’re coming up on a semi-truck and don’t want to get stuck behind the often slower-moving vehicle, your instinct is to merge into the other lane and fly by the truck.

While there’s nothing wrong with getting around a semi and it’s usually not illegal to pass on, which side of the truck you’re on can increase your risk of being involved in an accident. You should always try to pass a semi on the left side instead of on the right.

Why is the left side of the truck considered safer? The answer comes down to visibility. Since the driver is sitting up higher on the left side, visibility is a little better than on the right.

Don’t Merge Directly In Front of an 18-wheeler

Whether you’re passing a semi and want to merge over into the right lane or are pulling out into traffic, give yourself plenty of room. In other words, don’t merge directly in front of a moving truck.

Not only are you in one of the truck’s blind spots, remember there’s one in the front, but you’re also increasing your chances of being in a rear-end collision. Even slower-moving trucks can’t stop on a dime.

There’s a lot of weight behind a truck, even one without a trailer, and it takes time to come to a full stop. If you merge directly in front of a truck, the driver may not be able to slow down before hitting your vehicle.

Try To Avoid Driving on the Right Side of a Semi Truck

We already covered which side of the truck you should always pass on, the left side, which also applies if you’re driving beside a truck. Why would you be stuck beside an 18-wheeler? You may be stuck in traffic or on a road with dedicated lanes for trucks and passenger vehicles.

Whatever the reason, you’re stuck beside a semi so make sure you’re on the left side. The reason you want to drive on the truck’s left side is the same as for passing. The driver’s seat is on the left side of the truck cab, and this means the driver is higher up and has increased visibility. Blind spots tend to be smaller on the left side than on the right.

Another reason to avoid driving on a truck’s right side is to prevent an accident when the large vehicle is turning. Semis tend to make wide right turns, and you don’t want to be swept up by the trailer. The trailer usually swings out a little when a truck makes a turn and vehicles on the right side and this is a place you don’t want to be.

Always Use Your Turn Signals

Just because you can see the truck driver doesn’t necessarily guarantee they realize you’re close by. Truck drivers have a lot to focus on and they can easily miss a car near a blind spot.

You can increase your visibility by using your vehicle’s turn signals every time you change lanes. If you’re getting ready to pass a semi from behind, turn your blinkers on. The same applies when you’re ready to merge in front of the semi.

Not only are turn signals easily visible but using them is also the law. The fine for failing to use a turn signal probably isn’t going to break the bank, but the citation can go on your driving record. Your insurance company may look at this as an indication you’re a potentially unsafe driver and this usually means a hike in your monthly premiums.

Understanding the importance of avoiding a truck’s blind spots is crucial for all drivers. For those looking to gain a deeper understanding of truck safety and operations, CDL Expert offers comprehensive CDL training programs. These programs provide valuable insights into navigating safely around large vehicles, emphasizing the importance of blind spot awareness and other key safety practices.