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Injuries Skyrocket in Tractor Trailer No-Zone Accidents

Due to their size and shape, tractor trailers have various no-zones — blind spots and other dangerous areas surrounding semis where accidents are most likely to occur. And these accidents can be especially deadly: the latest statistics show that 3,660 people were killed in large truck accidents in 2014 alone, the vast majority of whom were not the truck drivers.

So how do you identify tractor trailer no-zones and how can you avoid these dangerous accidents? Here are a few tips:

Identifying No-Zones

Unlike your average sedan, a tractor trailer has fewer rear view mirrors, meaning it has larger blind spots. They are also larger and heavier than normal cars, thus requiring a more time and a longer distance to stop. Combined, this means there are four major no-zones surrounding tractor trailers:

  1. Front No-Zone: Tractor trailer can take twice as long to come to a stop, so avoid cutting in front of large trucks and give yourself, and them, plenty of space when merging;
  2. Side No-Zone: If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in the side mirrors, the driver can’t see you, so avoid hanging out alongside large trucks;
  3. Rear No-Zone: Without a rear window, truck drivers can’t see directly behind them, and if you’re following too closely, you won’t be able to see obstacles ahead, so don’t tailgate tractor trailers;
  4. Wide Right Turns: You’ve seen the signs on the back of trailers before — “This Vehicle Makes Wide Right Turns” — so don’t try to squeeze by a larger truck swinging wide for a right turn.

Avoiding Accidents

You can stay out of trouble with tractor trailers and other large trucks by giving them as much space as possible on the road. Give yourself room in front of and behind large trucks. And either pass quickly or allow the truck to pass you — don’t drive next to tractor trailers for long.

But some accidents are unavoidable, even for the best drivers. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a tractor trailer or large commercial vehicle, you should contact an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

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