One of the most dangerous things Americans do on a daily basis is get inside of a car. Having an accident with another passenger vehicle can be catastrophic enough, but there are also bigger vehicles on the road to be aware of.
Getting into an accident with a semi truck can be potentially deadly for everybody involved, particularly if you are in a smaller four wheel passenger vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, it is important to be aware of how large the blind spots are on semi trucks in order to ensure the driver sees you.
Where are the blind spots on a semi truck?
Semi trucks have blind spots on all four sides. The biggest blind spot is on the right hand side of the vehicle, and this blind spot spans two lanes. There is also a blind spot 30 feet behind the semi truck and 20 feet in front of it. On the left side, the blind spot encompasses one lane.
This is why it is vital never to pass a semi-truck on the right. If you are on the right hand side of a semi truck, there is a large possibility that the driver of the truck does not see you.
How should I pass a semi truck?
You should always pass a semi truck on the left-hand side. You should begin your merge well before you actually approach the semi truck, to ensure that you do not get caught in the 30-foot blind spot trailing the vehicle. Once in the left-hand lane, increase your speed to be able to pass the semi truck quickly. When you are in front of the semi truck, remember to give the truck plenty of space before you merge back into the lane.
