A truck's blind spot is often referred to as a no-zone, where motorcycles and cars become invisible to the truck driver. Entering the no-zone can have catastrophic consequences, especially for motorcycle riders, as they're more exposed to external elements than drivers in a car.
The personal injury attorneys at Schuerger Shunnarah have extensive experience working with injured motorcyclists in Dallas, Texas, to get them the compensation they deserve. Those injured in a motorcycle accident in Texas must immediately contact Schuerger Shunnarah to learn more about their rights as injured victims. They go to war for clients.
Schuerger Shunnarah and their personal injury attorneys understand the importance of defensive riding and how following motorcycle safety tips can save lives. They've put together a guide to create awareness of the different no-zones and how motorcyclists can avoid them to reduce the risk of accidents. They can provide insight on what to do if you witness a motorcycle accident as well.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in the United States
Although motorcycles account for only 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that they contributed to 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2021.
Three out of five motorcycle accidents involve collisions with other vehicles, including a truck or a bus.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, there were 5,579 motorcycle fatalities in 2020, bringing the fatality rate per 100,000 registered motorcycles to 67.08. Most of these accidents involve automobiles, trucks, or other large vehicles in broad daylight and good weather conditions. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has information on what age group is most likely to crash a motorcycle.
Trucks and Buses Don't Drive Like Other Vehicles
Most motorcyclists, especially younger riders, fail to realize that trucks and buses do not drive like other motor vehicles as they're much larger. It is much more difficult to maneuver large commercial vehicles as they have bigger blind spots, are less maneuverable, and have longer stopping distances.
What Is the No Zone Motorcycle Area?
The no-zone is an area around the truck that is dangerous for motorcycles and where crashes are most likely to occur. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are four particular no-zones that are dangerous to motorcyclists, and these include:
Side No-zone
Trucks and buses have large blind spots compared to other road vehicles, which is why motorcyclists need to stay clear of their sides, as the driver may be unable to see them.
If a motorcyclist cannot see the driver's face in the truck or bus's side-view mirror, they should speed up and pass the vehicle or slow down and let them move away.
Rear No-zone
Unlike cars, where drivers can see who is behind them, truck and bus operators do not have enough visibility to see other road users in their rear-view mirror, making it a dangerous zone for motorcyclists to be in.
If a truck or any other large commercial vehicle suddenly brakes, it could lead to a rear-end collision depending on how close the motorcyclist is riding behind them.
It's best to avoid tailgating a larger vehicle on the road, as following too closely increases the risk of a rear-end collision.
Besides braking, truck or bus operators may need to reverse, and if they're in the process of backing up, motorcyclists should stay clear. Most trailers are eight feet wide, making it impossible for the driver to see who is behind them, increasing the risk of collisions if a rider comes between the large vehicle and their loading area.
It's important to let the truck or bus safely reverse before the rider makes their next move.
Front No-zone
Motorcyclists must get past the bus and cut into the lane at a much safer distance, allowing the truck or bus operator enough space to brake safely.
Wide Turns
To make a safe right turn maneuver, in most cases, the bus or truck driver swerves to the left before turning right. If there is a motorcyclist on the left side or behind, they risk getting squeezed or suffering injuries in an accident.
How Can Motorcyclists Avoid the No-zone?
Here are some proofread tips for motorcyclists to follow while on the road to reduce the risk of accidents:
Stay Clear of the No-zones
Whether it is a truck or a car, it goes without saying that motorcyclists should start by staying clear of the no-zones mentioned in this article.
Maintain Four Seconds Following Distance
Four seconds is a general rule of thumb for motorcyclists to follow. Ensuring sufficient following distance while riding behind trucks allows the truck drivers to see the traffic behind them.
It also gives the riders enough time to react to sudden braking or other hazards. During poor weather conditions such as rain and snow, motorcyclists should increase the following distance accordingly.
Ensure Plenty of Space When Changing Lanes
Truck drivers need enough distance between their vehicles and other road users when braking to avoid collisions. Motorcyclists should be wary of that fact and stay in the passing lane until there is a seven-second passing space before changing lanes.
To determine whether there is enough space between the two vehicles, the front of the truck should be visible in both of the motorcycle's side-view mirrors.
Avoid Lingering in the Side Blind Spot
The side blind spot is dangerous because the truck driver cannot see the motorcyclist and because a tire blowout can cause flying debris to hit the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a fatal crash.
Riders should avoid staying in the side no-zone and instead pass the truck or slow down to let them move away.
Choose the Left-hand Lane
The blind spot of a truck on its right-hand side is much greater than the left. It's best for riders to pass on the left instead of the right unless they're on a road with multiple lanes in one direction.
Maintain the Seven-second Barrier
Once the motorcyclist achieves the seven-second barrier, they must maintain it. A truck will most likely gain speed when going downhill, and if the rider does not stay on the throttle, they increase the risk of a nasty crash.
Got Hit by a Truck? Call Trial Attorneys at Schuerger Shunnarah Now!
A crash involving a truck can have devastating consequences for the motorcyclist due to the massive size of the vehicle. The accident can lead to severe injuries, causing physical, emotional, and financial damage to the victim. It's crucial that the injured rider seeks out legal help from experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Dallas TX to get the compensation they deserve.
Those motorcyclists injured in a truck accident in Dallas, Texas, must immediately contact (833) 692-5038 for a free consultation with reputable trial attorneys to discuss their case and learn more about their legal options.
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