Large vehicles like trucks and buses pose a particular threat to other vehicles on the road. Because they are much larger than ordinary cars, they present a higher risk of damage and danger to others if a crash were to happen.
Unfortunately, crashes between vehicles do happen quite often. In fact, truck crashes are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This is particularly concerning considering the size of trucks makes them more dangerous than most vehicles.
There are several areas around large vehicles like trucks and buses where crashes are more likely to occur. These areas have been identified and studied, which will be discussed in this article. If you drive near or around large vehicles frequently, this information is important to know!
This article will discuss the various danger areas around trucks and buses where crashes are more likely to occur.
The “blind spot”
Trucks have a particularly dangerous area called the “blind spot.” This is the area behind and to the sides of a truck or bus where other vehicles cannot see.
Because trucks can have long trailers and tall side panels, other vehicles cannot see what is in that blind spot. This can lead to crashes as other vehicles pull into the lane next to a truck or try to pass it.
Drivers must be very careful when approaching trucks and buses because of the blind spot. Drivers should always check their mirrors and their surroundings before moving forward or changing lanes near a truck or bus.
The size of the blind spot depends on the size of the truck or bus and its side panels. Some efforts are being made to reduce the size of the blind spot on these vehicles, but it will always exist.
The “rear end crash”
Rear end crashes are one of the most common types of car accidents. They are also one of the most dangerous types of car accidents due to the speed at which they typically occur.
Often, rear end crashes occur when a vehicle behind a truck or bus is not able to stop in time before hitting the back of the vehicle.
This can be due to many factors such as poor visibility, poor braking ability, or excessive speed.
Many times, trucks and buses have warning lights and signs on the back indicating that they are moving. If you are approaching one of these vehicles, it is important to pay close attention and be prepared to stop.
Drivers should also be aware of their surroundings and check their mirror frequently to avoid being caught off guard by a vehicle behind them.
Get out of the way!
As mentioned before, most truck crashes occur due to driver inattention. However, vehicle avoidance is an important safety measure that can be taken in situations of inattention.
If a truck driver fails to see a car or vehicle on the road, they may not be able to avoid a crash unless the car on the road gets out of the way.
Likewise, if a car on the road notices a truck heading toward it, it is best to get off the roadway so as not to be hit. This is why these warnings are given so frequently- because it saves lives!
Vehicle avoidance is one of the most important safety measures for trucks and buses. Since these vehicles are very long and take up a lot of space on the road, allowing other vehicles to pass them or moving them off the road before an accident occurs is critical.
Truck and bus drivers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times
As mentioned earlier, most collisions involving trucks and buses occur when another vehicle cuts off the truck or bus.
This can happen when other vehicles merge into the same lane as the truck or bus, or when other vehicles switch lanes in front of the truck or bus.
Other common places where crashes occur are: at intersections when vehicles do not clear the right-of-way quickly enough, on freeways when trucks move to another lane and other vehicles do not immediately notice, and at parking lots or loading docks where other vehicles pull in front of them.
Drivers of cars need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. It only takes a few seconds for someone to cut into your lane or pull into a loading dock in front of you. Watch out for these areas whenever you are driving.
Avoid these danger areas around trucks and buses
As mentioned earlier, the most dangerous area around a truck or bus is the rear. That’s where the truck driver can’t see you.
However, there are several other areas around large vehicles that pose significant risk of crash. These areas are called danger zones and they include:
The front of the vehicle, where it meets the road; The sides of the vehicle; The rear of the vehicle.
Avoiding these danger zones will significantly lower your risk of being involved in a crash with a large vehicle.
How far away should you be? It depends on how fast you’re going. If you’re traveling at or below the speed limit, then you should be at least three feet away from the front of the vehicle. If you’re speeding up to chase after a bus, then get as far back as possible.
Stay off the road if you are intoxicated
Unfortunately, drinking and driving is a problem in the United States. A large part of this problem is that people are unaware of the risks of drinking and driving.
Many people know that you are more likely to get into an accident if you are intoxicated, but few realize how much of a risk it still is even when you feel like you’re not drunk.
Drinking causes your blood alcohol content to rise, and this affects your coordination and balance. Even if you don’t feel drunk, your BAC may be high enough to impair your ability to drive.
If you have had too much to drink, the best thing that you can do for yourself and for others on the road is to call a cab or someone else to drive you home. Stay off of the roads at this time because you could be putting yourself and others in serious danger.
Stay clear of truck or bus doors
When a truck stops, the door may slide open partially or fully. This exposes the potentially dangerous cargo and creates a hazard for other vehicles.
When you approach a stopped truck, watch for the door to slide open and do not pass until it is closed. If you are following a truck and it stops, do not pass it until it closes its door.
Cars have narrow sides that provide limited protection against collisions with heavy trucks. When a car hits a truck, the car will most likely be damaged more than the truck.
By staying away from the side of trucks and buses, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a collision. When vehicles collide, the person in the smaller vehicle typically suffers more injuries due to their lack of protection.
Be aware of heavy traffic areas with many trucks and buses
Trucks and buses require more space to stop due to their weight and size. As a result, truck and bus drivers must pay special attention to the areas surrounding them where crashes are more likely to occur.
These danger areas are called buffering zones. They include the spaces in front of a truck or bus, behind it, and to the sides.
If a car tries to pass a truck or bus in its front or back area, or if a car cuts in front of it, the result will be a crash. If a car is behind it, then there is not enough time to stop before hitting it. And if another vehicle pulls into its side area, then there will be a collision.
Watch out for cars that cut into these zones around trucks and buses. This may be an early sign of an impending crash.
