In many ways, driving on the interstate is safer than driving on other roads. Traffic is all moving in the same direction, there are not any intersections and the median keeps opposing vehicles far apart. Speeds are higher, but as long as traffic moves at a consistent speed, accidents are less likely.
That said, one of the dangers drivers face on the interstate comes from sharing the roadway with semi-trucks. These trucks have large blind spots, which means truck drivers may not see smaller vehicles at all. Motorcyclists or those in small coupes or convertibles could be especially at risk. Many of these accidents happen when a truck driver merges from one lane to another, as they may accidentally sideswipe a vehicle that they never saw.
Where are the blind spots?
Directly in front of and behind the truck are two of the main blind spots, known as the front and rear “no zones.” Someone who is tailgating a semi-truck is invisible to the truck driver. The same is true for someone who puts themselves right in front of the semi, as the driver may be so high that they are essentially looking over the smaller vehicle.
On the driver’s side, there is a small blind spot next to the cab, but the driver does have some visibility because they are close to that window and the side mirror. On the passenger side of the truck, however, visibility is much more limited, and the blind spot extends for a significant distance down the side of the truck. The mirrors do help, but a vehicle that sits in that right-hand blind spot could be at significant risk of an accident.
Seeking compensation
Have you been injured in a truck crash caused by a negligent driver? If so, you may deserve financial compensation for medical bills and related damages.
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]/wp-content/uploads/sites/1404353/2026/02/michael-gaarder-injury-attorney.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Attorney Michael Gaarder handles personal injury claims for clients in Saint Cloud and throughout Minnesota. He guides clients and families through the entire process. If you’ve been seriously injured in a trucking accident, contact us for a free consultation.[/author_info] [/author]