Tractor-trailers: blind spots and passing

Explanation

Truck drivers sit high and have big mirrors, but they still have serious blind spots where a car can disappear: up to 20 feet in front of the cab, along both sides of the trailer, alongside the cab, and up to 200 feet behind.

• Don’t cut off a tractor-trailer to reach an exit or turn — it removes the driver’s cushion of safety. Slow down and exit behind it; it costs only a few seconds.
• Pass completely, and always on the left. Don’t linger beside a truck; the driver can’t take evasive action with you there.
• Don’t tailgate. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you — and you can’t see what is ahead of the truck.
• Don’t underestimate an approaching truck. Because of its size it often looks slower than it is; many car–truck crashes happen at intersections for that reason.

Example

On the interstate you need to pass a semi. You check that the left lane is clear, signal, pass steadily without pausing beside the cab, and keep going until you can see the truck in your rearview mirror before moving back.

Common mistake

Following close behind a truck. You’re in its rear blind spot and have no time to react if it stops.

What the manual says

Blind spots for the tractor-trailer driver will be up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the trailer, alongside the cab, and up to 200 feet behind the vehicle.

Always pass a tractor-trailer completely and always on the left side.

When following behind a tractor- trailer, if you cannot see the driver’s rearview mirrors, the driver cannot see you.