How can I avoid an accident with a semi truck?

It is well-known that one of the most dangerous things Americans do every day is get behind the wheel of an automobile. However, unless you happen to live in an area where there is very robust public transport, driving in the US is all but essential. With this being the case, it is very likely that you will end up in a car accident at some point. However, some car accidents are more severe than others. Getting into an accident with a semi truck is almost always more extreme than getting into an accident with another four-wheel passenger vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, one of the best things you can do to avoid an accident with a semi truck is to be aware of the blind spots.

While all vehicles have blind spots, the blind spots associated with a semi truck are much larger. The biggest blind spot on a semi truck is actually on the right side of the truck: this blind spot nearly eclipses two entire lanes of traffic. This is the main reason why you should never try to pass a semi-truck on the right hand side. Doing so is extremely dangerous because there is a high chance that the driver of the semi truck will not see you.

Another good rule to follow is to assume that if you cannot see the side view mirrors of the semi truck, then the semi truck cannot see you. Experienced drivers of semi trucks will still be aware that there are cars in their blind spots, but you can make their job much easier and your drive much safer by not lingering in these blind spots for long.