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Sharing the Road with Large Trucks

Don't Hang Out in the "No-Zone"!

What is the "No-Zone"?

The "No-Zone" refers to the blind spot areas around large commercial vehicles, or the areas where cars are so close to the truck or bus that the driver's ability to stop or maneuver safely is restricted.

Why do I need to know about the "no-zone"?

Knowing about the "no-zone" areas around large vehicles will help you to steer clear of unsafe situations involving large vehicles and help reduce crashes.
There are more than 250,000 crashes involving cars and trucks every year. Many could be avoided by keeping these important points in mind:
- Large vehicles have much more sizable blind spots than cars do.
- Large vehicles also have deep blind spots directly behind them. If you are driving behind a truck or bus and you can't see one of its side view mirrors, the driver can't see you.
- At times, truck and bus drivers need to swing wide to the left to make a right turn. Don't cut in between the vehicle and the curb or the shoulder to the right.
- Large vehicles cannot stop as quickly as cars. When passing, look for the whole front of the vehicle in your rear view mirror before pulling in front of the truck or bus.
- After passing don't slow down.

(Adapted from US DOT.)

Did You Know?

More than half of all fatal crashes involving cars and trucks are caused by the automobile driver.
Most crashes involving cars and trucks occur in broad daylight, on straight and dry pavement, during normal weather, and with no indications of alcohol use.
In 9 out of 10 fatal collisions, the deceased was an occupant of the passenger vehicle (due to the size of the commercial truck).
Due to the stopping distance needed, a truck involved in a collision often entangles multiple cars.

This material is adapted from the "No-Zone" campaign, a program of the US Department of Transportation.