Sharing the road with large motor vehicles has become all too common. In fact, you might not even give it a second thought when you pass such a vehicle on the open road.
And while driving any motor vehicle will involve certain risks, it’s crucial to remember that driving near these types of larger vehicles comes with its own set of dangers. Importantly, be wary of the “no-zones” when driving next to or near exceedingly large motor vehicles.
If you’re wondering what you should know about no-zones in driving, look no further. Use our guide below to learn more about the possible impact of a no-zone on driving.
What You Should Know About a No-Zone In Driving: An Overview
If you have never heard the term “no-zone,” you are not alone. In fact, many people aren’t familiar with the phrase. Nevertheless, it’s essential to understand what no-zones are so that you can better protect yourself and your loved ones while driving.
What Is a No-Zone?
No-zones are specific areas around the perimeter of a large vehicle or truck where the driver has little or zero visibility. In other words, they cannot see you if you are driving in that particular zone. It’s like a blind spot but much bigger than the blind spot of regular passenger vehicles.
You may have seen signs on large trucks saying something like, “If you cannot see the driver of this truck in the side-view mirror, they cannot see you.” This signage is a precaution indicating that you may be in the truck driver’s no-zone.
Other Names for No-Zones
No-zones go by a few different names. For example, you might also see no-zones referred to as a:
- No-zone,
- Blindspot, or
- Blind zone.
Regardless of what it’s called, take precautions when driving in or near a large vehicle’s no-zone.
Types of Vehicles That Have No-Zones
In reality, nearly any large vehicle will have no zones to be aware of. Examples of such vehicles might include:
- Tractor-trailers,
- Buses,
- Trolleys,
- Streetcars,
- Moving trucks,
- Recreational vehicles (RV),
- Light-rail vehicles,
- Moving trucks, and
- Semi-trucks.
So even if a vehicle doesn’t have a sign or disclaimer warning of no zones, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Always take appropriate precautions when driving near a large motor vehicle.
Where Are the No-Zones?
No zones typically include the areas around the front, back, and sides of the vehicle. No-zone areas can be especially large in the context of 18-wheelers and semi-trucks due to their length and size.
Dangers of No-Zones
Many people assume that visibility for a driver of a large vehicle, such as a semi-truck, will be much better than that of a driver of a passenger vehicle. People often assume that truck drivers have better visibility because semi-truck is higher off the ground.
However, this assumption is incorrect. Again, as discussed above, despite the higher vantage point, there remain a number of other areas surrounding these types of large vehicles with little to zero visibility.
Additionally, many of these larger vehicles take much longer than others to brake and come to a complete stop. So even if a truck driver does see you in their no-zone eventually, it may be too late for them to brake quickly enough to avoid a collision.
Tips and Tricks for Driving Safely Near Large Motor Vehicles
There’s simply no way to avoid driving near large motor vehicles entirely. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no safe way to do so.
In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are a number of tips you can implement to more safely operate around large vehicles. Below are some examples of these tips:
- Stay out of the no-zones if possible;
- When necessary, pass safely by ensuring that you can see the truck driver in the mirror before passing;
- Be careful when passing, but do so promptly—never linger in the no-zone;
- Avoid making attempts to pass a large motor vehicle on a downward decline where they are more likely to pick up speed;
- Never attempt to pass a large truck or motor vehicle from the right lane;
- Don’t cut it too close—if you don’t think you have time or space to safely pass a large motor vehicle, wait until it is safe;
- Always use clear signals before making any attempts to pass or change lanes;
- Be patient; and
- As always, buckle up at all times while on the road.
Of course, practicing these tips can’t guarantee that you’ll avoid a collision with a large truck. But it can certainly go a long way in making you safer.
No-Zone Collision—What Are My Options?
No matter how cautious you are, there’s always the possibility of becoming involved in a collision with a large motor vehicle while in or near a no-zone. In many cases, this happens to individuals who took all necessary precautions and were struck by a large truck through no fault of their own.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in the aftermath of an accident involving a large motor vehicle, you may have a legal claim for relief. First, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as practicable to assess and treat your injuries. Then, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help you navigate the pathway to recovery.
Contact Henderson Law
A large truck collision can turn your world upside down. Between physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical expenses, recovery can often feel insurmountable.
However, having the right team in your corner can make all the difference.
At Henderson Law, we pride ourselves on helping injury victims during some of the most difficult and painful times in their lives. We have decades of experience and tried-and-true results securing millions of dollars for our past clients. So when you make us part of your team, you can feel confident knowing that you have a leading California personal injury lawyer that is ready to fight for you and your rights.
Contact Henderson Law today to discuss your case and see how we can help.