How Dangerous Is the “No-Zone”? Understanding Blind Spots Around Trucks

We’ve all seen those big 18-wheelers on the highway and tried to pass them as quickly and safely as possible. Did you know that these massive vehicles have large blind spots in all directions? These blind spots are so dangerous, they even have a name – the “No-Zone.”

At the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, our experienced Brockton truck accident lawyers have helped many people seriously injured in crashes involving large trucks. A common factor in these collisions? One driver, usually in a car, was stuck in the No-Zone, and the truck driver never even saw them.

What is the No-Zone?

The No-Zone refers to the areas around a commercial truck where the driver has limited or no visibility. These blind spots are on all four sides of the truck.

• Front No-Zone: About 20 feet in front of the truck
• Rear No-Zone: About 30 feet behind the truck
• Left No-Zone: Along the left side of the trailer, especially near the cab
• Right No-Zone: The entire right side of the truck, which is often the largest blind spot

Unlike smaller vehicles, trucks sit much higher off the ground, and their mirrors can’t cover every angle. If you’re in one of these blind spots, the truck driver probably can’t see you, even if you’re driving right next to them. We’ll talk about the No-Zone in more detail in a moment.

Why are blind spots so dangerous?

It’s easy to assume that truck drivers have a better view of the road because of their height. But the truth is, their view is very limited. Many car-truck crashes happen because a car was in a blind spot and the truck driver didn’t know it was there. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that “14 percent of large-truck crashes occurred due to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers’ inadequate surveillance.”

Here’s why these blind spots are so risky:

• Trucks make wide turns, especially to the right. If you’re in the right side No-Zone, the truck could crash into you during a turn.
• Trucks need more room to stop. If you cut in front of a truck and then hit the brakes, it might not be able to stop in time, especially at highway speeds.
• Trucks can’t swerve or change lanes quickly. If a truck driver doesn’t know you’re there, they could accidentally move into your lane and cause a collision.

Where exactly are the No-Zones?

Let’s break it down a little more so you can picture where these blind spots are:

• The front No-Zone is the area directly in front of the truck’s cab, about 20 feet ahead. Since truck cabs sit high, the driver often can’t see anything close in front of them. Cutting in too quickly after passing a truck can be dangerous because they may not see you, and they may not be able to stop in time.
• The rear No-Zone stretches around 30 feet behind the truck. Because trucks don’t have rearview mirrors like cars do (drivers rely on their side mirrors), the driver can’t see directly behind them. Tailgating a truck puts you in this No-Zone, and also blocks your own view of the road ahead.
• The left No-Zone (on the truck driver’s side), the blind spot runs about one lane wide and can extend for the full length of the trailer. While it’s smaller than the right-side blind spot, it’s still dangerous to hang out here.
• The right No-Zone is the biggest blind spot, about two lanes wide and stretching from the cab to the back of the trailer. Never try to pass a truck on the right. The driver likely can’t see you, and it’s a common cause of serious sideswipe accidents.

How can I stay safe around commercial trucks?

Now that you know exactly where the No-Zones are, here are some tips to keep safe and avoid collisions.

• If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their side mirror, it’s likely that they can’t see you either. This is a good rule of thumb to follow.
• If you’re going to pass a truck, do it on the left side and don’t linger. Signal early, speed up safely, and make sure you leave plenty of space before moving back in front of the truck.
• After passing, wait until you can see the entire truck in your rearview mirror before merging in front of it. Trucks need twice as much distance to stop in comparison to cars, especially when they’re fully loaded with cargo.
• Tailgating is dangerous for any vehicle, but it’s especially dangerous behind a commercial truck. Not only are you in the rear No-Zone, but you also can’t see traffic conditions ahead. If the truck suddenly stops, you won’t have time to react.
• Trucks make wide turns, especially to the right. Never try to squeeze between a turning truck and the curb. Always give a truck space and stay patient.

What should I do if I’m in a commercial truck accident?

Even if you do everything right, accidents can still happen. If you or someone you love has been in a crash involving a large truck, it’s important to act fast and protect your rights. Here’s what you should do.

• Even if you think you feel okay, see a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, don’t show up right away.
• Call the police and make sure they file an accident report. This report will be important for your insurance and legal claims.
• Take photos of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and anything else that seems important, like skid marks, road signs, traffic signals, etc.
• Trucking companies have lawyers and insurance adjusters who may try to contact you quickly after a crash. Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything without talking to your own lawyer first.
• Contact an experienced Brockton truck accident lawyer. Remember, truck accidents are more complicated than regular car accidents. There are more laws involved, more parties involved (like the trucking company or cargo loaders), and often more severe injuries than regular car accidents.

At the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, our Brockton truck accident lawyers know how to investigate truck crashes, prove who was at fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Why are truck accidents so complicated?

When a car hits another car, the case usually involves just two drivers and their insurance companies. However, when a truck is involved, things get more complex. Some of the responsible parties might include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The company that loaded the cargo
• The manufacturer of the truck or its parts
• A third-party maintenance provider

This is why it’s so important to have a lawyer who understands truck accident law in Massachusetts and knows how to hold all the responsible parties accountable.

Understanding the No-Zone and respecting truck drivers’ limited visibility isn’t just about staying safe. It’s about preventing life-changing accidents. These blind spots are real, and the consequences of ignoring them can be deadly. By giving trucks space, avoiding their blind spots, and driving carefully around them, you can do your part to stay safe and help everyone get home in one piece.

And if the worst happens, know that The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan is here to help. We’ve been fighting for accident victims in Brockton and across Massachusetts for over 35 years, and we’re ready to fight for you too. If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident, call or contact us today to schedule your free consultation.