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With the number of major highways and interstates running through or near our area, it is common to encounter tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other types of large trucks when driving around Fort Myers. These massive commercial vehicles can be intimidating to even the most experienced motorists, and there are valid reasons to be concerned. Truck accidents in Fort Myers are commonplace, and it is often other drivers on the road who suffer the most severe injuries. Being aware of the large blind spots, known as ‘no-zones,’ around big rigs can help to reduce your truck accident risks.
Driving in No-Zones a Common Factor in Fort Myers Truck Accidents
Statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) indicate that our state has one of the highest truck accident rates in the country. In Fort Myers and the surrounding areas throughout Lee County, as many as 1,200 or more truck accidents occur each year. These accidents cause an average of one fatality each month while leaving hundreds of people suffering from serious and potentially disabling injuries.
The large size of commercial vehicles increases the risks of being involved in a truck accident. The average length of a truck is between 70 and 80 feet, while the drivers cab may sit up as high as 10 feet off the ground. This causes large blind spots where motorists can easily disappear from the driver’s view. These blind spots can play a role in the following types of collisions:
- Rear end accidents, when the truck driver is unable to see drivers directly in front of them;
- Side impact crashes, when trucks attempt to pass and do not see motorists alongside them;
- Underride accidents, when truck drivers brake suddenly, causing vehicles directly behind them to go underneath;
- Rollover accidents, which can happen when a driver swerves to avoid hitting a motorist in their blind spot.
Steer Clear of Truck No-Zones
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) refers to the blind spots around large trucks and other commercial vehicles as no-zones, due to the fact that they are areas in which other motorists want to steer clear. These areas include:
- Front no-zones, which extend 20 feet out directly in front of the truck;
- Rear no-zones, which extend 30 feet back from the truck trailer;
- Left side no-zones, which extend midway from the driver’s cab through major portions of the trailer;
- Right side no-zones, which are among the most dangerous and extend nearly the entire length of the truck and across two separate lanes.
If you find yourself in a truck no-zone, make an effort to get out of it immediately, Avoid tailgating trucks, move along quickly when passing, and take care not to cut them off in traffic.
Reach Out to Our Fort Myers Truck Accident Attorney
At Bernardo Injury Law, we help victims in truck accidents get the compensation they need to recover from their injuries. To discuss how we can help you, call or contact our Fort Myers area truck accident attorneys online to request a consultation today.