Truck blind spots are a potential hazard for both drivers and pedestrians. Recognizing and understanding blind spots will help you drive more safely and avoid unfortunate accidents. This article will provide detailed information about truck blind spots, how to identify them, and effective solutions.
Illustration of truck blind spots from multiple angles
What Are Truck Blind Spots?
Truck blind spots are areas around the vehicle that the driver cannot see, either directly or through mirrors. The larger the truck, the wider and more dangerous the blind spots. Blind spots not only make it difficult for drivers to maneuver, especially when changing lanes, reversing, turning around, or parking, but also pose a risk of collisions and serious traffic accidents. The causes of truck blind spots are diverse, including vehicle design, driver’s physique and seating position, and the adjustment of rearview mirrors and driver’s seat.
Identifying Dangerous Truck Blind Spots
1. Blind Spot in Front of the Truck
The high cabin of large trucks, dump trucks, and container trucks often obstructs the driver’s view in the area immediately in front of the vehicle. This is the front blind spot. To ensure safety, do not move too close to the front of a truck, and absolutely do not cut in front or overtake from the front, because trucks are heavy and very difficult to brake suddenly.
2. Blind Spots on Both Sides of the Truck
These are areas on both sides of the truck that are not reflected in the rearview mirrors. To identify them, look into the truck’s rearview mirror. If you can see the driver, it means the driver can also see you. Conversely, if you cannot see the driver, you are in their blind spot. Move out of this area quickly. Do not drive alongside or closely follow the side of a truck.
Danger of a car in the side blind spot of a truck
3. Blind Spot Behind the Truck
This is the area out of sight behind the rear of the truck or cargo bed, extending from a few meters to under 60 meters depending on the size of the truck. In this area, the driver cannot see any obstacles or pedestrians at all. This area is especially dangerous when the driver is reversing, braking suddenly, parking, or driving in crowded residential areas.
4. Other Blind Spots
In addition to the 3 main blind spots above, there are also smaller blind spots caused by windshield pillars, below the rearview mirrors, on the roof, and under the chassis. Although less dangerous, they still need to be noted.
Identifying and overcoming 3 dangerous truck blind spots
Overcoming Blind Spots When Driving a Truck
Adjusting Rearview Mirrors Properly
To minimize side blind spots, drivers should lean their head to the side until it touches the window, then adjust the mirror so that the side of the truck is barely visible in the mirror. This helps to widen the field of vision.
Adjusting Driver’s Seat and Seating Position
Adjust the driver’s seat so that the eye level is higher than the steering wheel and directly above the middle of the windshield. Maintain a comfortable seating position that allows for easy observation of the rearview mirrors without much movement.
Equipping Multi-Directional Mirrors
Many modern trucks are equipped with multi-directional mirror systems that help drivers observe in multiple directions, reducing blind spots. If the vehicle is not equipped, you can purchase additional mirrors or replace them with larger ones at authorized service centers.
Conclusion
Understanding truck blind spots is key to ensuring traffic safety for both drivers and pedestrians. By applying the solutions mentioned above, we can minimize the risk of accidents caused by blind spots. Always pay attention, keep a safe distance from trucks, and proactively take precautions to protect yourself and those around you.
