There are many factors that can affect truck driver visibility. As a motorist, being aware of what can cause reduced vehicle visibility can help you stay safer on the road. For more than 38 years, the truck accident attorneys at James Alexander Law have helped injured victims throughout central New York recover the compensation they need to get back on their feet after a crash. Our local attorneys understand the nuances of truck accident cases. They offer advice on what to watch out for when driving during the daytime in reduced visibility and sharing the road with large commercial trucks.
Weather Conditions Can Cause Reduced Visibility
Inclement weather conditions such as fog, rain, sleet, or snow can have a serious impact on vehicle visibility. These conditions can make it difficult to see the road, other vehicles, and traffic signals. Truck drivers already have a hard time seeing other vehicles due to blind spots, so It’s vital to take proper safety measures when driving in low visibility conditions to avoid being involved in a motor vehicle accident. For example, when you’re driving during the daytime in reduced visibility due to fog, you should slow down, use fog lights if you have them, brake slowly, and be on the lookout for trucks and other vehicles that may not have their lights on. You can also open a window so you can hear any vehicles near you if you can’t see anything.
Watch Out for Sun Glare
Even if you’re in a vehicle with the best visibility, driving in sunny weather can also affect your ability to see clearly. Sun glare can impact a driver’s line of sight, which makes it difficult to see the road ahead. Using your sun visor, wearing sunglasses, and staying alert, especially during sunrise and sunset can help make driving in the sun easier.
Blind Spots
Due to their size and design, large commercial trucks have significant blind spots where they can’t see other vehicles, also called “no zones”. While it’s crucial for truck drivers to be aware of these blind spots and use caution when changing lanes or making turns, it’s also important for other motorists to know where these blind spots are to avoid them.
No zone areas with limited visibility include:
Side zones. There are very large blind spots on both sides of tractor-trailers and other large vehicles. If you encounter a large truck, it’s best to safely pass them as soon as possible. Driving in these no zones can lead to devastating sideswipe accidents. A good rule of thumb that can help you determine whether a truck driver can see you is to look in their side mirrors. If you can see their face, they can see you. If you can’t see a truck driver’s face in their side mirrors, they have reduced visibility and cannot see you driving next to or behind them.
Front of the truck. Because most truck drivers sit very high, they may not be able to see other vehicles in front for up to 20 feet ahead. Cutting in front of a large truck can be a fatal mistake, especially since they also have a limited ability to stop quickly.
Back of the truck. Semi-truck drivers don’t have a rearview mirror, so they rely heavily on their side-view mirrors to see what’s around them. The blind spot behind a truck can reach nearly 200 feet behind the rear of the truck. Driving closely behind a large commercial vehicle also impedes your ability to see what’s ahead, which can lead to a catastrophic or fatal crash if a truck must stop suddenly.
Load Size and Placement
Incorrectly loaded or overloaded trucks pose a serious danger on the road. Depending on the type of truck, the placement and size of its cargo can lead to reduced visibility for the truck driver and other motorists. If you encounter a truck with a load that looks iffy, stay away from it if you can. If you’ve been hurt in an accident with a big truck and believe that the driver or someone else may be liable, a New York personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, answer any questions you may have, and advise you on the best way to move forward.
Other Issues that Cause Reduced Visibility
Incorrectly adjusted mirrors, defective windshield wipers, misaligned or faulty headlights, and obstructed or dirty windows can also be a problem when it comes to truck driver visibility. In some cases, design flaws can cause limited vehicle visibility. Although there is technology such as blind-spot monitoring systems and rearview cameras that can help when driving during the daytime in reduced visibility, truck drivers and other motorists should always be vigilant and adhere to safe driving practices.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Central New York
If you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you can count on the dedicated team at James Alexander Law to fight for your rights and help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve. We serve personal injury clients in central New York, Rochester, and the Southern Tier and North Country areas. To schedule a consultation with a truck accident lawyer, contact us online or call 1-800-529-1333. We offer two convenient locations in East Syracuse and Rochester, New York.
