Driving alongside an articulated truck is part of everyday travel for many of us. Still, many drivers don't realize that big trucks have blind spots, and mistakenly believe that the truck driver, being high up, is able to see them. Many drivers, especially the most inexperienced, do not know where a truck driver's blind spots are, which can cause dangerous accidents where the car always has the worst of it. This article will tell you how to avoid truck blind spots.
Note: This article originally refers to right-hand drive traffic. Where not clearly specified in the article, to apply these instructions to a left-hand drive traffic system you will need to use the opposite side.
Steps
Step 1. Find out where all the blind spots of an articulated truck are located
A blind spot is the area where the driver is unable to see other vehicles. Understanding the location and extent of each blind spot or "non-zone" can help you avoid them. The image illustrates the "non-zones".
- There is a dead center directly behind the truck. There is a "non-zone" on each side of the truck which can span several lanes.
- In front of the truck there is a blind spot which includes both the lane it occupies and the one on the right.
- There is a blind spot next to the right door of the truck (the left one in countries where you drive on the left).
Step 2. Be patient
When sharing the road with trucks, it is important to drive carefully and realize that they cannot maneuver quickly in an emergency situation. Being patient is as important as knowing where the truck's blind spots are.
Step 3. Don't follow a truck too closely
By doing so (this practice is also known as "trailing"), you will find yourself in the rear blind spot of the truck and, if the driver does not notice it and makes a sudden stop or maneuver, you run the risk of colliding with it from behind. The right distance to keep behind a truck is that which corresponds to the length of 20 or 25 cars. It is also said to "keep a safe distance of four seconds". In bad weather, this space should be even greater.
- Overtaking from too close to the truck is also dangerous, as you are unable to clearly see the traffic ahead.
- Trucks traveling at high speeds create significant wind pressure - another good reason not to get too close.
- At night, following a truck reduces the beam from your headlights, because the truck's side mirrors can reflect light into the driver's eyes.
Step 4. When traveling behind a truck, keep both of its mirrors (both left and right) in your viewfinder as much as possible
If you can see the driver's face in his mirrors, chances are he can see you too. If you can't see his face in the truck's side mirrors, he can't do that anymore either.
If you lose sight of at least one of the mirrors, the truck driver is no longer able to see your vehicle
Step 5. When driving in front of a truck, leave plenty of room
Make sure there is plenty of it when you change lanes in front of a truck.
Step 6. Pass a truck carefully
Do not overtake it on the right side (on the left in countries where you drive on the left); this is due to the fact that a truck's blind spot on the right runs the length of the trailer and spans three lanes!
- Make it clear in advance that you intend to overtake. Make sure the fast lane is clear before starting the maneuver, and keep in mind that it takes 25 seconds to pass a long truck on the open road.
- Quickly overtake to keep you out of the side "non-zone" area alongside the truck. Don't linger beside the truck, but get past it quickly. If you can't do it fast, it's best to get back behind the truck so you can be seen again.
- Remember that both when you exit from behind the truck and when you pass in front of it, you can be subject to turbulence. This mainly affects small cars and motorcycles.
- When overtaking on the top of a hill, remember that trucks accelerate down the hill.
Step 7. Avoid re-entering the lane too soon after overtaking
The truck drivers sit high up and the roof of the passenger compartment hides part of the road in front of them. You should be able to see the entire front of the truck (or both of its headlights) in your rear-view mirror, before stepping back in front of it. Compared to a car, a truck needs twice the time and space to stop.
Do not slow down immediately after re-entering in front of a truck following an overtaking. You may still find yourself in the driver's blind spot. Since a truck takes longer to slow down or stop, even if it has seen you, the driver may not be able to stop in time. Instead, keep traveling normally to create a distance between you and the truck that roughly corresponds to the space of 10 cars
Step 8. Do not drive to the right of a truck when it is turning right
A truck needs a considerable safety distance to make the turn, which requires additional lanes. This is also important for cyclists and motorcyclists; do not try to sneak to the right while a truck is turning or has stopped at an intersection.
If you find yourself behind a truck turning right, leave more space than usual. The driver must make a wide maneuver to the left and his trailer will block the view of any car behind him
Step 9. Watch out for the brake lights and turn signals of a truck
These lights may be the only indication the truck can't see you. If it is about to turn or change lanes, be patient and wait your turn to do whatever you intend to do.
Step 10. The horn sounds if you see the turn signal next to you light up or if you notice that a truck is starting to move into your lane.
If you notice any of these things, you are in the driver's blind spot.
- It is the only means you have to warn a truck driver that you are where he is trying to go. Horn several times if necessary.
- As you honk, try to move along the lane or to the side of the road. It could prevent your car from getting hit if the truck driver hasn't noticed you yet.
Advice
- These indications also apply to other large vehicles, such as buses.
- Always indicate turns or stops well in advance; it gives the trucks plenty of time to know what you're going to do, so they can slow down or change speed.
- When you are overtaking a truck, press the accelerator pedal to make the speed exceed the speed set on the cruise control to reduce the time spent in the truck's blind spot. Make sure the increased speed is still a prudent speed.
- When a truck is overtaking you, reduce the speed of your car. This will allow the truck to overtake you faster, and you will get out of its blind spot sooner.
- If you can see the truck driver in the truck mirror, then he can see you too. Be observant and make sure the driver "sees" your vehicle.
- When you pass a truck while it is raining or snowing, position the wiper blades high to make sure your visibility is not obstructed at any time.
Warnings
- If you are driving a truck, go out and check behind the truck before reversing. If you have traffic cones to signal a demarcated area where you are reversing, use them.
- Never cut off a truck that is slowing to stop. The truck will not be able to stop any faster than it is already doing.
- Never walk behind and never drive around a truck that is reversing or about to reverse. The driver's blind spot could cause the truck to bump into you unknowingly.
- If you overtake a stationary truck, slow down, in case the driver goes out on the road; may not be able to see you.
