Semi Truck Blind Spots and How to Tackle Them?
Semi truck blind spots can be deadly. These 18-wheelers are significantly larger vehicles than cars or SUVs. Hence, the impact of their crash is also more devastating. Most of these accidents happen in the blind spots. However, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) can solve this problem and increase driver safety!
Did you know the blind spots on a semi truck can be fixed? And no, we don’t mean by adjusting your side-view mirrors. That can help, but only to some extent. After that, you have to use an ADAS. Let’s talk about this subject in detail!
What are Semi Truck Blind Spots?
Blind spots on a semi truck are typically located around the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. That includes the following:
- Front Blind Spot: Directly in front of the truck, extending several feet in front of the cab. This area is out of the driver’s field of vision due to the height and length of the hood.
- Side Blind Spot: Along both sides of the semi truck, especially on the right side where the driver’s view is naturally more restricted. These blind spots can extend the entire length of the trailer and are exacerbated by the length of the truck.
- Rear Blind Spot: Directly behind the truck where visibility is obstructed by the size of the trailer.
Why Do Semi Truck Blind Spots Exist?
Now, we know that the semi trucks blind spots exist. But, why? Let’s find out!
Size
The average semi truck can be up to 70-80 feet long and about 8.5 feet wide. This large footprint means the areas invisible to the driver are also bigger. The length and height of the truck create wider and longer blind spots. Usually, that’s not the case in passenger vehicles.
Weight
Semi trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The weight affects how quickly a truck can maneuver and stop. Thus, it requires more forward and lateral space around the truck. This factor increases the risk associated with not being able to see into these blind spots swiftly enough to react to traffic changes or obstacles.
The combination of a semi truck’s large dimensions and heavy weight enlarges the blind spots. Furthermore, it intensifies the need for heightened awareness and caution from all drivers sharing the road. Hence, using a driving assistant that eliminates these blind spots is essential for today’s roads.
Advanced Safety Tools to Eliminate Semi Truck Blind Spots
In recent years, the trucking industry has seen significant advancements in vehicle safety technology. Let’s look at some advanced safety tools to eliminate truck blind spots:
1. Blind Spot Monitoring Systems
Blind spot monitoring systems have become increasingly sophisticated. These systems utilize sensors and radar technology to detect vehicles or objects in the truck’s blind spots.
When something is detected, the system alerts the driver. Usually, that is via visual, audible, or tactile signals, such as flashing lights on the corresponding side mirror or vibrations in the steering wheel.
Either way, the immediate feedback helps prevent lane-change accidents and is especially helpful in heavy traffic.
2. AI-Driven Cameras
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the capabilities of camera technology in semi trucks. AI-driven cameras go beyond simple video feeds. They analyze and interpret visual data in real time, providing continuous road updates.
These cameras can differentiate between types of vehicles. They detect pedestrian movements and predict potential hazards by alerting the driver to risks before they become imminent threats.
The proactive approach helps drivers react more quickly. Otherwise, the driver might only have to rely on human observation.
3. Adaptive Lighting Systems
Adaptive lighting systems are another innovative safety feature increasingly found in semi trucks. These systems adjust the headlight beams automatically based on driving conditions, speed, and traffic.
For example, the lights can swivel to illuminate curves more effectively to reduce glare for oncoming drivers. Similarly, it can adjust the beam intensity and other aspects of lighting.
By improving visibility around blind spots and dimly lit areas, these systems enhance the driver’s vision. They provide the ability to navigate safely during night driving and adverse weather conditions.
4. Side Mirror Enhancements
While traditional mirrors remain standard, new enhancements have significantly improved their functionality. Some modern semi trucks have mirrors that include integrated cameras and display screens.
They provide a wider angle of view and eliminate many of the traditional blind spots. Additionally, these mirrors can incorporate thermal imaging. It helps detect heat signatures from pedestrians or animals in low visibility conditions.
5. Collision Avoidance Systems
Collision avoidance systems use a combination of sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings actively. These systems can identify potential collisions before they happen and take preemptive action.
These corrective actions can include applying the brakes or adjusting the steering. Collision avoidance systems are particularly useful for managing blind spots of a semi truck. It compensates for human limitations in reaction time and situational awareness.
Conclusion
The challenge of navigating semi truck blind spots is a significant concern in road safety. However, the continuous advancements in vehicle safety technologies have minimized this problem. There is a promising shift towards safer highways and reduced accident rates.
These technologies not only assist drivers in managing the substantial blind spots of semi trucks but also greatly improve their ability to respond to potential hazards. For truck drivers, embracing these new technologies and incorporating them into daily operations can be a game-changer.
