An Aggressive Advocate, When You Need It Most.

How can I drive safely around commercial vehicles?

Published on Sep 2, 2020 at 5:39 pm in truck accidents.

Driving around commercial vehicles, like trucks, can be dangerous. For this reason, understanding how to best maneuver around these big behemoths is important for your safety. All vehicles have blind spots. However, commercial vehicles have exceptionally large blind spots. Understanding where these blind spots are and how big they are can help you drive safely around these large vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says that the blind spots around commercial vehicles are much bigger than ones on regular cars.

How large are these blind spots?

Because these spots on a commercial vehicle are so large, staying out of them is of paramount importance. For example, on the right side of a commercial vehicle, the blind spot encompasses two whole lanes; this is much larger than the blind areas on a regular vehicle. The blind spots in front and behind a commercial vehicle are much larger than those on a traditional car, as well.

How can this help me drive safer?

Understanding where a commercial vehicle’s blind spots are can help you maneuver safely around these vehicles. For example, the blind spot on the left side of a semi truck is smaller than the blind spot on the right side of a commercial vehicle. Thus, you should always pass a commercial vehicle on the left, and never on the right. Passing on the right can be extremely dangerous. You should also give a commercial vehicle more room when you are passing it because the blind spot is very large in front and behind the vehicle. If at all possible, merge out of the lane behind the commercial vehicles prior to 30 feet. You should also give the commercial vehicle plenty of room when you merge back in front of it.

Request Attorney Consultation

Call us or fill out the form below to schedule a confidential case evaluation. We can help you determine if you need a lawyer, if you have a potential case, and if so, what your next step should be.

Legal & Firm News

How To Obtain a Car Accident Report in Pennsylvania

If you don’t know how to obtain a car accident report in Pennsylvania, the information below will provide guidance. A car accident report is often an important piece of evidence you’ll need when filing a claim with your (or another driver’s) insurance company. The following information about how to obtain a car accident report in […]

Read More

What Happens After You Win a Workers’ Compensation Case?

Securing workers’ compensation benefits can be an uphill battle. Many applicants are initially denied, forcing them to go through an appeals process in order to secure the benefits they are rightfully owed. With so much effort going into winning these benefits, few people give much thought to what happens after you win a workers’ compensation […]

Read More

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Pennsylvania?

When you ride along with motorcyclists here in Williamsport or elsewhere in Pennsylvania, how often do you notice them attempting to navigate around other vehicles when traffic congestion exists? You likely notice it quite a bit, which may lead you to wonder if their actions are lawful. While some states allow motorcyclists to split lanes, […]

Read More