When sharing Alabama roads with trucks, buses, or other large vehicles, there are some important tips to remember.
No-Zones are dangerous areas around large vehicles where crashes are most likely to occur. No-Zones are blind spots where your car disappears from view of the truck driver.
Don't hang out on either of the Side No-Zones.
Trucks and buses have large blind spots on both sides. If you can't see the driver's face in the side-view mirror, the driver can't see you. If that driver needs to change lanes, there could be big trouble.
When passing, always pass on the left side as quickly as possible so the driver can see you. Never ride alongside a truck or bus.
Avoid tailgaiting by not hanging out in the Rear No-Zone.
Large vehicles have no-zones directly behind them that extend as far as 200 feet. They can't see you and you can't see what is happening ahead. If they brake suddenly, you have no place to go.
Also, you should always dim your headlights at night when following a large vehicle so the lights won't blind the driver when they reflect off the side mirrors.
Pass safely by avoiding the Front No-Zones.
Large vehicles need nearly two times more room to stop. Do not cut in too quickly after passing a large vehicle. Look to make sure you can see the entire front of the vehicle in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front and don't slow down.
Pay close attention to avoid the Backing No-Zones.
Never cross behind a large vehicle that is backing up because the driver can't see directly behind.
Avoid the "squeeze play" by avoiding the Turning No-Zones.
Large vehicles need to swing wide to the left to safely make a right turn. Don't ever pass on the right when the driver's right signal is blinking because you may become trapped.
For more driving tips or to get advice on choosing one of the best Birmingham, Alabama truck accident attorneys watch some more of our videos, contact us at 205-677-3121, or visit http://www.birminghamvirtualattorney.com.
