All motorists have blind spots where other vehicles can disappear from their view. However, a truck’s blind spots—also known as no-zones—are larger and more dangerous for people who must the share Texas roads with truckers. When truck drivers are negligent, people in passenger vehicles, who suffer more injuries and fatalities in general than the trucker, can suffer catastrophic injuries or even death in underride and override crashes, rear-end collisions, side impact wrecks, and more.
What Are Truck No-Zone Areas?
Although truck drivers are higher off the ground than drivers of passenger vehicles, this does not mean that they have fewer blind spots. In fact, a semi-truck has a number of large blind spots surrounding it where the driver is unable to see vehicles around him. These blind spots include:
Front no-zone.
Truckers have a large blind spot ahead of the cab where other vehicles disappear. Given the longer time that a truck takes to slow down and stop, a trucker may not realize there is a vehicle in front of him before it is too late if he is speeding or not paying attention.
Rear no-zone.
Truckers have a large blind spot behind the trailer. The trucks have no rear-view mirror, and truckers only have side mirrors to rely on. A wreck can occur if the trucker suddenly slams on his brakes or slows down without warning and without realizing that there is another vehicle behind him.
Side no-zones.
There are no-zones on both the right and left sides of the truck, with the largest blind spot being on the right side of the truck. This makes passing on the right extremely dangerous.
How Does Truck Driver Negligence Result in No-Zone Accidents?
When on the road, truckers have a duty to constantly be aware of vehicles near their trucks—including those entering a blind spot. Ways that truck driver negligence results in no-zone truck accidents include:
- Truck driver inexperience and lack of training
- Failure to check blind spots
- Intoxication from drug or alcohol use
- Distracted driving, like eating or drinking, looking at a GPS, or texting
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating another vehicle
- Stopping suddenly because of negligent driving practices
- Switching lanes without checking to be certain that it is safe to do so
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Truck Accident?
If you've been injured in a truck accident you need to speak with an experienced truck accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.
We help injured victims throughout Texas including Arlington, North Richland, Grapevine, Bedford, Hurst, Euless, Irving and all points in between.
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