In 2014, 3,660 people were killed in accidents involving semi-trucks. Everyone knows that semi-trucks are dangerous, however, do you know where and how they are dangerous? Semi-trucks are surrounded by areas called “no-zones.” A no-zone is the part around the truck that is extremely dangerous and responsible for the majority of fatalities are caused in these “no-zones.”
There are four no-zones: front, side, rear, and wide turn. This post will go over each no-zone and how you can stay safe on the road.
Semi-trucks always take wide turns; it is a product of the fact that they are carrying tractor-trailers which need more distance to effect a turn. If you try to sneak in turn before the truck’s turn is completed, you could get crushed between the truck and the curb.
Similarly, trucks need a lot of distance before they can come to a full stop. That means you need to get a truck wide-berth, do not ever cut in front of it.
Finally, the side and rear no-zones are characterized by the driver’s inability to see in the mirrors. Semi-trucks sit very high therefore the side mirrors are unable to display objects that are very close. Conversely, most trucks do not even have workable rear view mirrors; they are blocked by the tractor-trailer. A good rule to live by is, if you can’t see the driver in the mirror, she cannot see you.
If you were injured in a semi truck accident, you might want to call a lawyer. Semi-trucks, unlike passenger cars, have multiple layers of responsibility and insurance. You need to deal with the driver, the dispatcher, the owner, the owner of the cargo and all of their insurance companies. Yes, some of these roles could be consolidated, but you are still dealing with different potential accountable entities. An attorney can parse through the investigation and the law to help you identify who is responsible and from whom you can pursue compensation.