For many people, driving past a large commercial truck can be nerve-wracking. Since these vehicles are heavy, large, and difficult to maneuver, it can be easy to put your smaller vehicle into a vulnerable position. When it comes to passing trucks safely, you may want to avoid a certain side of the vehicle.
At GDH Law, many of our clients have seen the devastating effects of being involved in a truck accident. For that reason, we want to provide some safety tips and explain why you should never pass a commercial truck on the right side.
Truck Drivers Can Have Issues with Limited Visibility
If you have been tempted to pass a truck on the right side, you may want to think again. These large vehicles have massive blind spots on all four sides, but the right side is extremely dangerous.
Due to the height and length of the vehicle, these drivers have limited visibility on their right side. This is called the “no zone,” according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
In this spot, you will be invisible to the truck driver. Even with large side mirrors, they cannot see everything happening in these blind spots. If you try to pass on the right, the driver may not even know you are there. As a result, this can increase your chances of being involved in an accident, especially if the truck decides to change lanes or make a turn.
Trucks Make Wide Right Turns
Most commercial trucks need plenty of space to make a right-hand turn. In these cases, they need to swing out to the left before making a right turn, which is known as a wide right turn.
If you happen to be on the truck’s right, that could put you in a dangerous situation, especially if the truck unexpectedly swings out into your lane. Since most truck drivers are focused on clearing the turn, they might not notice a smaller vehicle creeping up beside them.
Unfortunately, this can lead to serious accidents, where you are sideswiped or pinned in your vehicle.
Commercial Trucks Need a Longer Stopping Distance
Another reason to avoid a right-lane turn is due to a truck’s stopping distance.
Since these commercial trucks are heavier than passenger vehicles, they take a longer time and need more distance to come to a complete stop. If you decide to pass a truck on the right, especially by cutting back in front of them too quickly, that will reduce the truck driver’s ability to stop in time if there is a sudden slowdown.
Many times, if you are in their blind spot or have just passed in front of them, the driver may be unable to avoid a collision when they need to make a sudden stop. With their massive weight and size, these trucks often end up causing rear-end collisions.
Trucks Can Create Wind and Air Turbulence
You might have noticed a little air turbulence when passing a commercial truck.
Trucks can create large pockets of wind that can cause smaller vehicles to become unstable, especially if you are passing by. If you are on the right side, this is a dangerous situation. In these cases, you might not have enough space to adjust if you lose control or drift.
Sometimes, even wind turbulence can push your vehicle off the road, causing an accident.
What Happens If Unsafe Passing Led to a Crash?
Passing a commercial truck on the right is not just dangerous; it can also be illegal in many jurisdictions. Under Maryland law (Transportation Code § 21-304), passing on the right is allowed if:
- The vehicle in front is making or preparing to make a left turn.
- The roadway is wide enough for two or more lines of vehicles traveling in the same direction.
- There is enough space for two or more traffic lines to move in the same direction.
However, drivers should only pass on the right if it is safe to do so.
If you are involved in an accident while passing a truck on the right, you may be found at fault for the collision. Insurance companies can see that as risky and negligent behavior. In turn, that can impact your ability to recover damages for any injuries or property damage.
What should you do instead of a right-hand turn? If you need to pass a commercial truck, always do so on the left side. Trucks are designed with better visibility on the left. With that, drivers are more likely to see you in their mirrors.
When you want to turn, always use your turn signal well in advance to indicate that you are about to pass the truck. You always want to make sure you are visible to the truck driver. If they cannot see you, then it is unsafe to maneuver on the road.
When it comes time to pass, make sure to do so quickly but safely. You never want to linger in the truck’s blind spot since that can increase the risk of an accident.
With that, you always want to be aware of the traffic and road conditions.
Before making a move, check your surroundings, including the traffic ahead, to ensure you can pass safely. You never want to attempt to pass a truck in heavy traffic, at intersections, or in hazardous weather conditions.
Passing a commercial truck on the right is a dangerous behavior that can lead to serious accidents. However, truck drivers still need to be cautious on the road and take steps to prevent these collisions.
If you have been injured in a crash with a big rig, always make sure to talk to a trucking accident lawyer to learn about your rights, even if you used the right lane to pass a vehicle.