Semi-trucks, also known as big rigs, or 18-wheelers, transport a wide variety of goods across the country. These large trucks are considered an essential part of the transportation industry, but they can also pose some safety risks.
One of those risks is known as “blind spots” which can lead to accidents if the driver is not careful. It is important to understand what these blind spots are and how to avoid them while driving.
The 4 Blind Spots of a Semi-Truck:
- Front – The area in front of the truck cannot be seen by the driver.
- Sides – The blind spot on either side stretches from just behind the cab all the way to the back of the trailer.
- Rear – The rear blind spot extends from just behind the trailer all the way to about 10 feet from it.
- Top – A small portion of sky directly above the cab cannot be seen by the driver.
When driving in close proximity to a semi-truck, it is important to remember that these four areas are essentially invisible to its driver. This means that if you are in any one of these blind spots, then you may not be noticed until it is too late. It is best practice to give semi-trucks plenty of room when passing and avoid driving in their blind spots altogether.
Conclusion:
Semi-trucks have four main blind spots that drivers should be aware of – front, sides, rear and top – which can cause dangerous accidents if not taken into consideration when sharing roads with them. While these vehicles are essential for transporting goods across wide distances quickly and efficiently, it is important for other drivers on the road to remain vigilant and give semi-trucks plenty of space when passing by so as to avoid any potential incidents caused by their blind spots.
