Remember, if you can't see the truck's mirrors, the truck driver can't see you.

No-Zone Program
No-Zones are the danger areas around commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, where most crashes occur. Most of the No-Zones are actual blind spots around the front, rear, and sides where cars “disappear” from the view of the driver. Unlike cars, trucks have a huge No-Zone directly behind them. The truck can’t see you and you can’t see what is going on ahead. If the truck brakes suddenly, you have no place to go! When traveling beside a truck, keep this rule in mind - If you can’t see the driver’s face in the truck’s side-view mirror, the driver can’t see you! Also, trucks need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars so don’t cut-in front too soon after passing. Look for the whole front of the truck in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front, and then don’t slow down!
Drive Smart helps to educate drivers on safely traveling with commercial vehicles by bringing a life-size tractor trailer truck to schools, fairs and other special occasions. The truck’s trailer is marked to properly identify the blind areas around the front, back and sides of the truck. Cars are positioned in these blind spots and people are able to climb into the truck’s cab and sit in the driver’s seat to observe firsthand how the cars are no longer visible to the driver. A professional driver is also on-hand to explain the dangers of “hanging out” in the No-Zones and talk about other limitations of trucks including maneuverability and stopping distance.
Brochures with No-Zone tips are available through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Share The Road Safely Campaign. Brochures may be ordered through the website:
www.sharetheroadsafely.org

Back