As the roads become increasingly congested, the risk of accidents also increases. Despite the fact that the trucking industry is crucial to the economy, it also poses many risks to drivers on the road. One of the most significant risks is the blind spot, which is commonly known as the “no zone.” Understanding what no zones are and how to avoid them can help you stay safe while driving.
Which no zone is the largest?
The largest no zone is located on the right-hand side of the truck and extends from the side mirrors to the rear of the trailer. This area is known as the “right-side no zone” and can be up to four lanes wide. Because of this, it’s easy for drivers to accidentally find themselves in the no zone, which can be extremely dangerous.
What are no zones around trucks?
No zones refer to the blind spots on a truck where the driver cannot see surrounding vehicles. These areas are usually located on the sides, front, and rear of the truck, and can be much larger than the average car’s blind spot. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are four no zones:
- The left-side no zone, which extends from the driver-side door to the middle of the trailer
- The right-side no zone, which extends from the passenger-side door to the rear of the trailer
- The front no zone, which extends up to 20 feet in front of the truck
- The rear no zone, which extends up to 30 feet behind the truck
Why should you stay out of the no zone?
The no zone is extremely dangerous for drivers, as they are impossible for truck drivers to detect. If you find yourself in the no zone, an accident in which the truck collides with your vehicle could be disastrous. Due to their size and weight, trucks cause far more damage than regular cars, and fatalities in such situations are not uncommon. According to the FMCSA, driver error is the leading cause of truck accidents, and staying out of the no zone is one of the most effective ways to avoid them.
How do you avoid no zone?
Avoiding the no zone is crucial to staying safe while driving near a truck. Keep these tips in mind:
- Follow the two-second rule: stay at least two seconds behind the truck so that you can give yourself enough time to react to sudden traffic changes.
- When merging onto a highway, make sure you give the truck plenty of space. They require more time and room to slow down than passenger vehicles.
- Avoid passing trucks on the right side as much as possible, as this is the largest no-zone.
- Always make sure you can see the driver in the truck’s side mirror before passing. If you can see their reflection, they can see you too.
- Use your signals to make the truck driver aware of where you are on the road. This will give them ample time to adjust their driving behavior accordingly.
As the saying goes, “if you can’t see the truck driver’s eyes in their mirrors, they can’t see you.” Staying out of the no zone means staying visible to the truck driver and keeping yourself out of harm’s way.