California drivers face a great variety of hazards on the road. One of them occurs when they get too close to a commercial vehicle’s blind spot. This is most common when a smaller car drives directly, or nearly directly, alongside a tractor-trailer. The danger is that a truck driver can’t see them if they decide to make a sudden turn.
Why blind spot crashes are so common
Motor vehicle accidents are a major cause of injuries and fatalities. Larger trucks are set much higher off the ground. This reduces their ability to note the presence of smaller vehicles.
The danger becomes more intense when you drive too closely alongside a commercial truck. The truck driver is looking forward and can’t see you either just behind or beside them. As a result, they may make a sudden turn that causes them to collide with you.
Preventing these crashes
Collisions with commercial trucks are more likely to occur when drivers don’t know how to avoid a larger vehicle’s blind spot. The best way to avoid becoming a victim in this scenario is to stay well away from a larger truck. Slow down to a safe speed when you approach them. Never drive directly alongside them.
It’s a good idea to make sure that all of the mirrors on your vehicle are properly adjusted. This will give you the maximum level of visibility in all directions. Since large trucks do have blind spots, it will be up to you to judge where they are. Keeping your mirrors clean and properly adjusted will give you the best chance to do so.
If you see that a large truck seems to be swerving or weaving between lanes, avoid them. You can reduce your speed to drop back behind them or simply turn off the road. Doing so will give you the best chance to reduce the possibility of a collision. It will also help you to sharpen your skills so that you can be a safer driver.