Skip to content
1-800-CALL-SAM
SEND MESSAGE
Sam Bernstein Law Firm
Case Types Reviews & Results Our History Our Firm Community Car Safety Kit
Case Types Reviews & Results Our History Our Firm Community Bernstein Box Office Car Safety Kit

Semi Truck Blind Spots When Driving

Published: September 22, 2015

Home>The Bernstein Blog>Semi Truck Blind Spots When Driving

Blind spots are unnerving in any vehicle. Around a tractor-trailer they are larger, and the truck’s weight makes a mistake more serious. If you are unused to sharing the road with eighteen-wheelers, it is easy to linger where the driver cannot see you.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash with a semi, a truck accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation. Here is what to know about truck “no-zones.”

Do You Have a Case?

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SEMI TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Freight is not going away. NHTSA reported 5,340 people killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2024, a small drop from 2023. About 70% of those deaths were occupants of other vehicles, not the truck. Early 2025 estimates show fewer large-truck-involved deaths, but the numbers are still preliminary.

A high cab does not mean a better view of cars. The hood hides pavement immediately in front. Mirrors leave large gaps along the trailer, especially on the right.

NO-ZONES

FMCSA and safety groups call truck blind spots no-zones. There are four:

  • Right side: The longest gap. It runs along the trailer and into the next lane (sometimes more on a long trailer or in a curve). Pass on the left when you can.
  • Left side: Shorter, but still real. If you cannot see the driver’s face in the left mirror, assume they cannot see you.
  • Rear: Do not sit on the bumper. Leave several seconds of following distance—more in rain, snow or at night. You cannot complete a safe pass from a few feet back.
  • Front: Do not cut in until you can see the whole front of the truck (both headlights) in your rear-view mirror.

TIPS TO SAFELY PASS A SEMI TRUCK

Pass only with a long, clear stretch of road. Signal early going out and coming back. Leave enough space that you are not braking in front of the truck.

A loaded tractor-trailer needs much more stopping distance than a car at the same speed. Tailgating a truck, or slamming on the brakes in front of one, is how rear-end and underride crashes happen.

SEMI TRUCK ACCIDENT? GIVE AN EXPERIENCED LAWYER A CALL TODAY

If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan truck or car accident, we can help. Our lawyers have the skills and resources to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Michigan crash law is complicated, but finding the right attorney is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Fill out the brief form below or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Do You Have a Case?

Related Posts

How Are Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Fees Determined?

May 21, 2025

Learn how Michigan car accident lawyer fees work, including contingency fees, case expenses, and why you pay nothing up front with a No Fee Guarantee®.

Taking a Memorial Day Road Trip? How to Avoid a Car Accident on This Dangerous Driving Weekend

May 21, 2025

While we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer is the best way to protect your rights...

Michigan Car Seat Laws: What Every Parent Should Know

May 21, 2025

Michigan’s 2025 child passenger law requires rear-facing seats until age 2, boosters until age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches, and back-seat riding until 13.

What To Know About Buying And Operating A Trailer In Michigan

May 21, 2025

It’s important to understand the complex laws and regulations for buying and using trailers on Michigan roadways.

Michigan Has a New Flex Route Aimed at Lowering Car Accidents and Injuries

April 18, 2025

I-96 in Oakland County and US-23 use left-shoulder flex lanes. Green arrow means open; a red X means stay off. See hours and crash results.

Labor Day Safety Tips: How to Survive One of the Year's Most Dangerous Weekends

August 30, 2024

Labor Day weekend is one of the deadliest weekends of the year in terms of traffic fatalities.

Safe Driving Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

May 24, 2024

Memorial Day weekend is also one of the deadliest due to the unusually high volume of cars on the road and the propensity for reckless acts.

Are Golf Carts “Street Legal” on Michigan Roads?

April 9, 2024

Operating golf carts on public roads is relatively new, understandably there is some confusion about the rules.

Does Michigan No-Fault Insurance Cover Non-Resident Drivers Involved in a Car Accident?

April 9, 2024

Out-of-state drivers in Michigan more than 30 days a year generally need a Michigan No-Fault policy. See PIP, penalties, and who pays after a crash.

The Darker Side of Daylight Saving Time: What Every Driver Should Know

March 15, 2024

Research finds about a 6% rise in U.S. fatal crashes the week after springing forward. Darker mornings and lost sleep are the main reasons.

Detroit Lions logo
We are proud to be an official partner of the Detroit Lions®. We share common values including a commitment to hard work and grit in service to our clients and the community.

contact us

Let us put our expertise to work for you

Don’t wait to get the help you deserve! Fill out the form below and take the first step toward justice. As Michigan’s most experienced personal injury law firm, we’ve helped thousands of people just like you get the compensation they deserve. Your consultation is always free, and with our No Fee Guarantee®, you won’t pay us anything until we win your case.

* indicates required fields

Consent *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

1800callsam logo
Get The Bernstein Advantage® Today!
Free. Simple. Quick.

Injury Case Types

Personal Injury Car Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Semi Truck Accidents Bicycle Accidents Pedestrian Accidents E-Bike Accidents Dog Bites Serious Injuries Slip & Fall Accidents Asbestos and Mesothelioma Birth Injuries & Cerebral Palsy Sexual Assault Head or Brain Injury Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Hot Beverage Burns Prison Injury & Inmate Rights Job Discrimination Social Security Disability Workers’ Compensation View All Case Types

Our Firm

Our History Our Team The No Fee Guarantee® The Bernstein Advantage® Careers

Community Service

Bernstein Box Office Car Safety Kit Call Sam Cares Call Sam Kitchen Bernstein’s Best Friends Chopper Shop

Resources

Michigan Baby Help Center Bernstein Books The Bernstein Blog Bernstein Library Frequently Asked Questions Michigan No-Fault Law View All Resources

Reviews & Results

Testimonials Awards & Honors In The Media

IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED BY MRPC RULE 7.2(d): Attorney Mark Bernstein is responsible for the content of The Sam Bernstein Law Firm’s legal advertisements. He can be contacted at (800) 225-5726.

© 2026 Sam Bernstein Law Firm. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions