Given the frequency with which most Americans drive, it is all but inevitable that most will end up in a car accident at some point. However, some car accidents are more dangerous than others. For example, if you are driving a regular passenger vehicle, hitting a commercial vehicle like a semi truck or bus is extremely dangerous.
However, there are some basic precautions you can take when driving around large commercial vehicles. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, you should take care to stay out of a bus or semi truck’s “no zones.”
What is a “no zone?”
This is another term for the blind spots that surround commercial vehicles. The blind spot in front of a commercial vehicle can extend for up to 20 feet and the blind spot behind may extend for 30 feet. The blind spot on the left side of a commercial vehicle spans one lane of traffic, and the blind spot on the right side spans two.
It is vital that you stay aware of the blind spots and make sure that you spend as little time as possible in them.
How can I safely pass a commercial vehicle?
You should pass a commercial vehicle on the left, since the blind spot on the left is smaller than on the right. Remember that the blind spot extends quite far both in front of and behind commercial vehicles.
Once you are on the left side of the commercial vehicle, speed up, pass, and merge back into the lane. Make sure to give the commercial vehicle plenty of space, as you do not want it to rear-end you.