Sharing the Road with Semi-Trucks

Did you know that a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds? That’s twenty times heavier than the average family car. Knowing how to share the road with these massive machines is crucial to get you where you’re going safely.

Avoid the No-Zones

It is the truck driver’s job to drive safely. But every semi has four blind spots, called no-zones, where the driver cannot see you. When you are in a no-zone, you run a greater risk of being involved in a collision.

The front no-zone extends ten to twenty feet directly in front of the truck and one lane to the right.

The rear no-zone extends approximately 200 feet behind the truck.

The side no-zones are on the left and right side of the cab. The largest side no-zone is on the right, beginning at the passenger door and running beyond the length of the trailer. Right side no zones can extend for several lanes and are particularly dangerous because vehicles can become trapped there when trucks attempt to make wide right turns. A distance of at least four seconds is needed to keep you out of this blind spot.

As a rule, if you cannot see the driver’s reflection in the truck’s side mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Do Not Tailgate

An easy way to determine whether you are following too closely: as the truck passes a stationary object on the side of the road – a tree, a sign, a mile marker, etc. – start counting one thousand and one, one thousand and two, and so on. If your vehicle reaches the object before one thousand and four, you need to slow down.

Do Not Drive Alongside a Semi-Truck

Only drive alongside a semi when passing or attempting to clear a no-zone.

The weight of a fully loaded truck puts incredible stress on the tires. The last place you want to be is next to an 18-wheeler when a tire blows. The driver could lose control of his rig and swerve into your lane; you could be bombarded with chunks of heavy rubber; or, to avoid being hit, you might instinctually swerve into the path of the truck or another vehicle.

Semi trailers are like sails on a sailboat, which makes them difficult to steer. A sudden wind gust can cause the big rig to drift unexpectedly into your lane. This is particularly true if the truck is not fully loaded.

If you must pass an 18-wheeler, always pass on the left when possible, maintain a consistent speed, and pull in front of the truck only after you see both headlights in your rear view mirror.

Do Not Drive Directly in Front of a Semi-Truck

Air brakes do not stop on a dime. It takes a fully loaded truck the length of a football field to come to a complete stop. Never abruptly cut in front of a truck or slam on your brakes in front of an oncoming semi. Give them their space.

If you are involved in a Tennessee truck accident, you should seek legal advice.

Bailey & Greer in Memphis is an experienced Memphis truck accident law firm. We provide expert legal representation for victims of serious trucking accidents. Call us toll free today at 901-680-9777 if you need advice. We offer a free case consultation.