Why Blind Spots on Trucks are Deadlier Than You Think?
April 2026
Truck drivers sit nearly 10 feet above the road. While their seat gives them a great view of the horizon the road straight ahead, it creates areas around the cab and trailer where cars simply disappear. These areas are called "blind spots" and in the trucking industry they are referred to as "no zones."
A tractor-trailer has four primary blind spots. The first is known as the rear zone. This is the largest blind spot and extends 30 to 50 feet directly behind the truck. If you are behind a semi and you cannot see the rearview mirrors, the driver cannot see you
The second blind spot is directly in front of the cab of the truck. Because the cab sits high above the road, there is a signifcant blind spot directly in front of the hood of the cab.
The third is the left side of the cab. This zone extends from the driver's side window diagonally back to about the middle of the trailer. This blind spot is a common cause of lane-change crashes.
The fourth is the right side blind spot. This blind spot is the most dangerous. This spot is significantly larger than the left side blind spot. On the right side of the truck, is where the vast majority of truck-car fatalities occur.
If you have been involved in a collision with a truck, take the time to find experienced trial counsel. At Herrick & Hart, we have been on the side of the injured since 1951. We offer a free consultation on personal injury cases.