The “No-Zone” refers to space around a large truck where the driver has zero visibility. Simply put, the no-zone is a big blind spot that makes driving a truck fundamentally more dangerous. However, when drivers understand a truck’s no-zone, they can reduce the risk of an accident caused by these blind spots.
Some commercial trucks have a sign attached to their trailer that reads, “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you.” While it may sound simple, a truck’s blind spots are deceptive. Next time you’re behind a truck, get an idea of where you can see their mirrors. You might be surprised to learn that the no-zone includes the space behind the truck and the surroundings to the driver’s immediate left and right. Many motorcycle accidents occur when a merging truck fails to notice a driver in their no-zone.
There’s also an enormous blind spot directly in front of a truck. While it varies slightly between make and model, most truck drivers cannot see the first 20 feet in front of their vehicle. If a driver takes their eyes off the road for even a moment, they may lose track of the car directly in front of them. It’s critical that all auto drivers, especially motorcyclists, identify a truck’s blind spots before attempting to pass them. It is especially dangerous to pass a semi-truck on the right side as the driver may try to merge but fails to notice someone in their no-zone.
It’s just as important for truck drivers to identify their blind spots and take extreme caution before attempting to merge or pass another vehicle. Truck accidents are particularly dangerous. Almost all trucking injuries affect the passenger vehicle rather than the truck driver.