Attention Drivers, Don’t Get Caught in these 4 Blind Spots

You’ve probably heard it a hundred times, “How could you not see me? You’re up high and have big mirrors!” 

But as a truck driver, you know the truth: just because you're higher than other vehicles doesn't mean your visibility is perfect. In fact, your truck’s blind spots are some of the biggest hazards on the road.

Blind spots are areas around the truck where the driver can’t see other vehicles, even with mirrors. These areas are dangerous. If you’re driving in one of these blind spots, the truck driver might not know you're there. That means if the truck changes lanes or turns, it could hit you without realizing it.

It might seem like a good idea to pass quickly or squeeze into a lane near a truck, but if you’re in their blind spot, it’s a big risk. Accidents can happen fast and can be very serious or even deadly.

So here’s the bottom line: stay out of a truck’s blind spots. Give them space, don’t ride too close behind or beside them, and make sure they can see you. Your safety and the safety of everyone around you depends on it. Just because you can see the truck doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common blind spots and how you can tackle them easily (both as a truck and car driver).

4 types of blind spots

According to the FMCSA, a truck’s blind spots can stretch up to 30 feet behind and 20 feet in front of the truck. There are also large blind spots on both sides, especially on the right side.

The NHTSA reports that over 413,000 crashes each year involve large trucks, and many of these accidents happen because other vehicles stay in a truck’s blind spot too long. That’s why it’s so important for truck drivers to know exactly where these blind spots are and stay alert while changing lanes or turning.

In the next part, we’ll go over the four main blind spots truckers need to watch out for.

1. Left side blind spot (driver side)

You might think the left side is safer since it's the driver’s side, but it still has a blind spot. This spot is smaller than the one on the right, but it’s still a problem. It starts just behind the driver’s door and can stretch out about one lane wide.

Many smaller vehicles stay in this spot when trying to pass or when they’re driving at the same speed as the truck. This can be dangerous if the truck driver doesn’t notice them and tries to change lanes. Just because it feels like you can see more on the left doesn’t mean it’s always safe. Drivers need to remember to look over their shoulder and use mirrors carefully before moving left.

Both blind spots can lead to fatal accidents if drivers aren’t careful and aware.

2. Right side blind spot (passenger side)

The right side of a truck is one of the most dangerous blind spots. From the cab all the way across about two lanes, there’s a large area where the driver can’t see other vehicles. This space is often called the "death zone" because cars, motorcycles, and even small trucks can sit there without the driver noticing for a long time.

Even though trucks have extra mirrors, like fender and wide-angle mirrors, they don’t always help enough. Vehicles can stay hidden in this blind spot for several minutes. That’s why it’s very risky for drivers to make a right turn or change lanes without checking this area more than once. It’s important to always be alert and look carefully before making any move to the right.

3. Front blind spot

Even though truck drivers sit up high, there's still a spot right in front of the truck where they can’t see anything. This blind spot can stretch up to 20 feet ahead. That’s a big area where a small car, a person walking, or a motorcycle could be hiding completely out of view.

This becomes really risky at stop signs or traffic lights. If someone moves too close in front of the truck, the driver might not even know they’re there. Then, when the truck starts moving again or makes a sharp turn, it can cause a serious accident.

That’s why truck drivers need to always leave extra space in front of them and avoid creeping forward when stopped. Keep checking your mirrors, stay alert, and don’t assume the road ahead is clear. Even in a big truck, there are hidden spots you just can’t see without careful attention.

4. Rear blind spot

When you're driving a truck, one of the biggest challenges is the area behind your trailer. Unlike regular cars, trucks don’t have a rear-view mirror that shows what’s directly behind. That means anything right behind your trailer is completely out of sight. Even your side mirrors can’t catch everything, especially if a small car is driving close or a motorcycle is weaving through traffic.

Because of this, stopping suddenly or backing up becomes very dangerous. You might not know someone is there, and one wrong move could lead to a crash. That’s why it’s important to always leave extra space before reversing and, if possible, ask someone to guide you a spotter can make a big difference.

Tips for handling blind spots as a truck driver

Blind spots aren’t just empty spaces around your truck. They become dangerous the moment you change lanes, turn, or merge onto a highway. Every time you move your truck, those blind spots can hide someone. Just knowing where they are isn’t enough. You need to constantly pay attention and use safe habits to stay alert and avoid mistakes.

Here are some tips every truck driver should follow to stay safe:

Tip 1: Before reversing, get out and look

When backing up a truck, never guess what’s behind you. Since you can’t see directly behind the trailer, getting out and walking around first is best. Look for anything in the way, like a car, pole, person, or even a shopping cart. If you have someone helping you guide the truck, make sure you both agree on the hand signals before moving. 

Tip 2: Signal early and be patient

Don’t wait until the last second to use your turn signal. Let other drivers know what you’re planning to do as early as possible. When your signal has been on for a few seconds, it gives cars and motorcycles time to adjust or move away from your blind spots. The longer you wait before actually moving, the more likely it is that your path will clear up safely.

Tip 3: Check your mirrors every 8–10 seconds

Make a habit of scanning your mirrors every few seconds. This isn’t just about seeing who’s beside you, it’s about building a mental picture of the traffic around you. Know which vehicles are coming into your blind spots and which ones are leaving. If someone disappears from your view, you’ll know to be cautious because they might be in a danger zone.

Tip 4: Take your time on right turns

Right-hand turns are tricky. There’s a big blind spot on the truck's passenger side, and you might miss seeing a pedestrian, cyclist, or car hiding close. So, before making that turn, pause a little longer. Check your mirrors carefully and make sure nothing is beside you before you go. Slowing down can give you the time needed to make sure the turn is safe.

Tip 5: Try the “lean & peek” trick

Before changing lanes or making a wide turn, lean forward and back in your seat. This small movement lets you see different angles in your mirrors. You might catch something that was hidden before. It’s a quick and easy way to double-check your surroundings, especially in areas your mirrors don’t fully cover.

Car drivers, here’s how you stay safe 

Truck drivers are trained to watch the road carefully, but safety is a shared responsibility. Understanding a truck’s blind spots helps other drivers stay out of danger. These no-zones are large areas where truck drivers cannot see other cars. Because trucks are so big and heavy, they take longer to slow down or react. Cars are quicker and more flexible, but that doesn’t mean they should take chances near large vehicles.

Here are four key ways to drive safely around trucks and stay clear of blind spots:

Tip 1: Maintain a safe following distance

Tailgating a truck is very risky. The area directly behind the trailer is one of the biggest blind spots. If you’re following too closely, the truck driver may not know you’re there. If they need to stop or back up, you won’t have enough time to respond. To avoid this, stay at least four seconds or about 25 car lengths behind the truck. This space gives you time to react and keeps you visible. Trying to save fuel by following too closely is not worth the danger.

Tip 2: Avoid driving in blind spots

Trucks have blind spots in four main areas: in front, behind, on the right side, and slightly behind the left side. These zones are where vehicles vanish from the truck driver's mirrors. The best way to stay safe is to avoid lingering in these spaces. If you find yourself next to a truck, either pass quickly or fall back to a safe distance. Staying visible is key to avoiding sudden moves or collisions.

Tip 3: Only pass on the left side

When you need to pass a truck, always use the left lane. The driver is seated on the left, so they have a better view of that side. Even though there’s still a blind spot, it’s smaller than the one on the right. Passing on the right is much riskier because it’s a larger blind zone and harder for the driver to monitor. Once you’ve passed the truck, wait until you can see the truck’s entire front bumper in your rear-view mirror before merging back in front.

Tip 4: Do not cut in front of a truck

It may be tempting to squeeze in front of a truck during traffic, but this can be extremely dangerous. The blind spot in front of a truck can extend up to 20 feet, and trucks take longer to stop because of their size and heavy loads. If you cut in suddenly, the truck might not be able to slow down in time. This puts both your car and others at risk, especially in heavy traffic. Always wait for a clear space before merging in front of a truck.

Drive with a proper vision

Blind spots are a reality of the job, but they don’t have to be a threat. By staying alert, using your mirrors wisely, and giving yourself space to make careful decisions, you’re turning a risk into something manageable. Every mirror check, wide turn, and delayed lane change plays a part in avoiding danger and ensuring everyone gets home safely.

So while the road ahead may be long, your commitment to safety and awareness will always take you further. Keep driving smart, and the rest of the road will follow.

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