What are Truck “No Zones” and How Can I Avoid Them While Driving?

Sharing the road with commercial trucks requires more caution than many drivers realize. Weighing 20–30 times more than a typical car, these massive vehicles have dangerously large blind spots known as “No Zones.”

If you’ve never heard of them, understanding what No Zones are and how to avoid them could save your life.

What Are No Zones?

Truck No Zones are the large areas around a truck where the driver’s visibility is severely limited or completely blocked. Unlike the small blind spots on a passenger vehicle, a truck’s No Zones are expansive and dangerous.

If your car is in one of these areas, the truck driver likely can’t see you, which increases your risk of being sideswiped, rear-ended, or trapped in a deadly underride crash.

Where Are a Truck’s No Zones Located?

There are four primary No Zones around a commercial truck:

1. Front No Zone: Extends about 20 feet in front of the truck’s cab. Trucks need more time and distance to stop, so cutting in front too closely can result in a rear-end collision.
2. Rear No Zone: Can stretch 30 feet or more behind the trailer. If you’re following too closely, the driver won’t see you, and you have little time to react if the truck stops suddenly.
3. Left-Side No Zone: While visibility is slightly better on the driver’s side, a large blind spot still exists along the middle-left portion of the trailer.
4. Right-Side No Zone: This is the most dangerous blind spot and can extend across two or more lanes. Never linger here; if the truck merges right or turns, they may not know you’re there.

Why Staying in a No Zone Is So Dangerous

Lingering in a No Zone leaves you vulnerable. If a truck turns, merges, or brakes suddenly, the driver may not see you in time to react, putting you at serious risk.

According to the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts, 5,472 people died in large-truck crashes in 2023, and 70% of those fatalities were occupants of other vehicles, not the truck. Another 153,452 people were injured, with occupants of other vehicles again accounting for 70% of those injuries.

This data clearly shows that passenger vehicle occupants bear the brunt of the consequences in truck-related crashes, primarily due to the extreme size and weight difference between vehicles.

How To Avoid Truck No Zones on the Road

Avoiding No Zones requires awareness and a few safe driving habits. Here’s how you can reduce your risk:

• Pass Quickly and Safely: If you need to pass a truck, do so on the left and don’t linger beside the trailer. Use your turn signal, accelerate safely, and move ahead with enough room before merging back over.
• Never Cut in Front: Give trucks plenty of space before switching into their lane. Remember, they need a much greater distance to stop. Cutting in too closely could result in the truck rear-ending you.
• Don’t Tailgate Trucks: Always maintain a safe following distance, at least four seconds behind a truck. If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
• Avoid the Right Side When Possible: If you’re stuck beside a truck on its right side, try to move forward or drop back when it’s safe. Never assume the truck driver knows you’re there.
• Stay Alert at Intersections: Trucks often make wide turns, especially to the right. Don’t try to squeeze through if you’re next to a truck at an intersection. Wait for the truck to complete the turn.

Positioning and Awareness Prevent Truck Accidents

Every driver plays a role in reducing truck crashes. By staying out of No Zones and giving trucks the space they need, you protect yourself and contribute to safer roads for everyone. Defensive driving, especially around large commercial vehicles, is essential.

Unfortunately, even the most cautious drivers can still be injured in a truck accident. When that happens, having experienced legal representation is crucial.

Injured in a Truck Accident? We’re Here to Help

Our Des Moines truck accident lawyers understand the devastating impact these collisions can have. We’ll investigate the crash, gather evidence to prove fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Whether the truck driver failed to check blind spots, drove aggressively, or violated safety regulations, we’re ready to provide compassionate legal guidance and aggressively advocate to protect your right to a fair settlement.

Contact us today for a free consultation. At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, your case isn’t just important, it’s personal. If it matters to you, it matters to us.