Blind Areas Explained: How They Impact Truck Safety and Driver Awareness

Written by Mary Salatino

Operating a commercial truck isn’t easy. Between tight turns, long hours and weather shifts, there’s plenty to manage. But those oversized blind spots? They’re one of the biggest safety risks out there. These no-zones stretch far wider than what you’d find in a passenger car, which makes spotting nearby vehicles or pedestrians a serious challenge.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were approximately 415,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2020. Of these, there were 4,444 (1%) fatal crashes and 101,000 (24%) that involved injury. That’s why it’s so crucial to understand how to navigate a no-zone.

Knowing how to handle blind spots — and using the right mirrors, sensors and habits — can prevent the kind of split-second mistakes no driver wants on their record.

What Is a No-Zone?

No-zones are the large blind spots around a truck. They’re big enough to easily swallow up a car, a motorcycle or even another rig. Unlike passenger vehicles, trucks don’t have rearview mirrors. They rely on side mirrors, which leave gaps. Big ones.

The main no-zones include:

• Front — About 20 feet in front of the cab, hidden by the truck’s height.
• Right side (passenger’s side) — The largest and most dangerous blind spot at two lane widths, running the full length of the truck and into neighboring lanes.
• Left side (driver’s side) — One lane width: smaller than the right side but still long enough to conceal a vehicle near the back of the trailer.
• Rear — Up to 200 feet behind the trailer, completely invisible without camera systems.

It’s common to not see vehicles that are traveling in these zones. That’s why defensive driving is important for truckers. It teaches how to anticipate vehicles that may be “hiding” in these blind spots by adjusting your speed, lane position and mirrors accordingly.

Understanding the Dangers and Safety Measures Related to No-Zones

Blind spots make everyday moves like changing lanes or turning a lot riskier in a truck. Drivers You have limited visibility, especially when merging or slowing down in tight traffic.

Take the right-side no-zone. If a car is there too long, it’s nearly invisible. One quick lane change — even with a signal — makes it easy for the truck driver to sideswipe someone. The same goes for the rear. If someone’s tailgating, they might not see the brake lights in time, especially since trucks take longer to stop.

Blind Spot Myths Busted

When it comes to blind spots, misinformation can be just as dangerous as inattention. Many drivers, both commercial and non-commercial, operate under untrue assumptions. Here are some of the most common blind spot myths, busted:

Myth One: “If I can see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can see me.”

Not necessarily. While that rule sometimes applies, it doesn’t account for the full length of a truck's massive no-zones, especially on the right side and directly behind the trailer. Seeing a mirror doesn’t guarantee you’re visible.

Myth Two: “Blind spots aren’t an issue because we have technology.”

Even with advanced safety features like cameras and sensors, truck drivers still need to check mirrors, observe their surroundings and drive defensively. Technology is a tool, not a replacement for awareness.

Myth Three: “Blind spots are only dangerous at highway speeds.”

Not true! Many low-speed crashes — especially in parking lots, loading zones and city streets — happen because of unseen objects or people in blind zones.

Now that these misconceptions are cleared up, both truckers and everyday drivers have the tools to stay more alert and make smarter decisions behind the wheel.

Factors That Make Truck Blind Areas Larger

Truck blind areas can expand or shrink depending on road conditions. Understanding what increases their size can help both truck drivers and passenger vehicle operators make safer decisions on the road.

• Truck size and trailer length: The bigger the truck, the larger its blind areas. An extended trailer can stretch side and rear no-zones significantly.
• Trailer type: Flatbeds, tankers and box trailers all have different shapes that affect visibility.
• Weather conditions: Rain, fog or snow can obscure mirrors and windows, making blind areas harder to monitor.
• Lighting and glare: Early mornings, sunsets or nighttime driving can make it difficult for truck drivers to spot vehicles, even in areas they’d normally see clearly.

For passenger vehicle drivers, here’s the takeaway: always assume a truck’s blind areas might be bigger than expected, particularly in poor weather, low light or when driving alongside large or specialized trailers.

How Truck Drivers Can Reduce Blind Spot Risks

Although blind spots can be tricky, drivers aren’t powerless against them. Here are steps they can take to minimize the danger:

• Proper mirror adjustment — A few minutes spent correctly positioning mirrors before hitting the road can make a big difference.
• Regular scanning — Checking mirrors every few seconds keeps a mental picture of what’s around the truck.
• Technology usage — Blind spot detection systems, side-view cameras and radar can alert drivers to hidden vehicles.
• Defensive driving — Slowing down in heavy traffic, signaling early and avoiding sudden lane changes all help reduce risk.
• Pre-trip inspections — Keep mirrors, windows and camera lenses clean for optimal visibility.
• Communication with other drivers — Use headlights, horn or hand signals when maneuvering in tight areas.
• Smart positioning at stops — Choose parking spots or stopping points that make re-entry into traffic safer and easier.
• Ongoing training — Periodic safety refreshers can reinforce best practices and introduce new visibility tools.

Everyone else on the road can reduce these risks by:

• Staying out of no-zones whenever possible. Truck drivers can’t see you if you can’t see them!
• Passing quickly on the left. The blind spot is smaller on the left side.
• Maintaining extra following distance to prevent rear-end collisions.
• Avoiding cutting in front of a truck, especially before slowing down or stopping.

CDL Training Programs That Improve No-Zone Awareness

One of the best ways to reduce blind spot crashes is to start with proper commercial driver education to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL). At SafeMotorist, we offer a full range of FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) courses designed to teach commercial drivers how to safely share the road, including how to manage no-zones.

Our programs cover key topics like mirror adjustment, lane management and defensive driving, which are essential for preventing collisions in blind spots. Regardless of your goal, we have the course to help.

Our available courses include:

• CDL Class A Course — Training for operating tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles.
• CDL Class B Course — Covers safe operation of buses, straight trucks and other medium-sized vehicles.
• CDL Class B to A Upgrade — Perfect for drivers looking to operate larger vehicles and improve safety skills.
• Passenger Endorsement — Teaches safe passenger transport and blind spot management.
• School Bus Endorsement — Focuses on student safety, loading and unloading, and hazard awareness.

Technology and Innovations in Blind Spot Safety

New tech is helping shrink blind areas and, in some cases, eliminate them. Many modern trucks now feature:

• Radar-based detection systems that warn drivers when a vehicle is in a no-zone.
• Side-view and rear cameras that offer a live look at areas mirrors can’t reach.
• Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that help with lane keeping, emergency braking and collision avoidance.

As these technologies become more common, the hope is that blind spot–related crashes will decline.

Legal and Insurance Considerations

Determining fault can be difficult when an accident occurs, and even more so when a blind spot is involved. In some cases, the truck driver may be liable for not checking mirrors or using caution. In others, a passenger vehicle driver may be at fault for lingering in a blind area or making an unsafe move.

Insurance companies often consider:

• The position of the vehicles at the time of impact
• Driver statements and witness accounts
• Dashcam or surveillance footage

Liability can go both ways, making it even more important to stay vigilant and know the risks and whereabouts of blind spots.

Take Responsibility for Your Safety

Driving a commercial vehicle comes with real responsibility. Drivers must consider their own safety and the safety of everyone else on the road.

The ELDT courses from SafeMotorist are built to help you recognize risk early, stay alert in no-zones and avoid the kinds of mistakes that lead to serious crashes.

Don’t leave safety to chance. Give yourself the knowledge to handle any road and any load. Enroll with SafeMotorist today to start your educational journey!