Driving In ‘No-Zones’ Increases The Risk Of Truck Accidents In Orlando
As Interstate 4 and other major highways run right through our area, truck accidents in Orlando happen on an unfortunately regular basis. With the massive size and weight of most semi-trucks and other big rigs, other drivers involved often suffer devastating personal injuries. As an experienced Orlando truck accident attorney, Payer Law represents victims and their families in these cases. Getting caught in trucking ‘no-zones’ is a common contributing factor.
What Are Truck No-Zones?
‘No-zones’ describe large blind spots surrounding commercial vehicles. The same as blind spots in cars, these prevent truckers from seeing other motorists around them. Unlike motor vehicle blind spots, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns that truck no-zones extend on all sides of commercial vehicles:
- On the left side of the truck, from the cab to halfway down the length of the trailer and impacting drivers in the next lane;
- On the right side of the truck, extending the length of the cab and across two lanes;
- In front of the truck, extending out in front of the truck for 20 feet;
- In the rear of the truck, extending 30 feet behind commercial vehicles.
A good rule of thumb is never to drive too close to trucks and to remember that if you cannot see them, they likely cannot see you either.
How No-Zone Truck Accidents In Orlando Can Happen
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), more than 3,000 truck accidents in Orange County happen each year. Getting caught in trucking no-zones is a common contributing factor. Common types of truck accidents attributed to no-zones include:
- Sideswipe truck accidents, which can happen when a truck driver attempts to switch lanes and is unable to see you in their no zone. These are common on major highways.
- Rear-end truck accidents, which can happen when a trucker fails to see you directly in front of their cab. These are common in heavy traffic.
- Jackknife truck accidents, which is when a truck trailer rides up at an angle alongside the cab. These can happen when a trucker has to make a sudden stop, such as suddenly seeing a driver previously in their no zone, and can impact motorists in multiple lanes.
To protect yourself when sharing the road with trucks, always give them plenty of space and avoid driving in their no-zones. Remain alert at all times, watch your speed, and make sure they see you when switching lanes or making other maneuvers.
Injured In A Truck Accident? Reach Out To Our Orlando Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accidents can leave you or those you love suffering potentially devastating personal injuries. At Payer Law, we have over 30 years of experience helping victims and their families get the compensation they are entitled to in a claim. To request a consultation with our Orlando truck accident attorneys, reach out and call or contact our office online today.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/spread-word
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf
