Survey Shows Most Americans Can’t Point Out a Semi’s Blind Spots
A recent study shows what most of us already know: most drivers have no idea where semi-drivers blind spots are.
The folks from “FinditParts” surveyed one thousand Americans regarding what they know about the blind spots of tractor-trailers. The results will probably not surprise most, if any, truckers with experience hauling freight. Let’s break down some of the findings.
Survey Results
When asked to locate all of a semi-truck’s blind spots, only 1 in 20 people could correctly identify them. In addition, it was found that 4 out of 5 Americans are unaware that there is a blind spot directly in front of a semi. These two statistics alone are worrisome, but more questions were asked about sharing the road with semis.
Along with being asked about blind spots, the survey also showed that 1 in 3 Americans do not know how to pass a semi correctly. On top of this, 65% of motorists have witnessed someone cut directly in front of a tractor-trailer. 30% say they were not trained to share the road with tractor-trailers during their driver’s ed course.
The study shows that 66% of people surveyed blame the truckers and their rigs for feeling unsafe while driving.
Safety Tips For Motorists
“FinditParts” also laid down some ground rules for motorists to stay safe near truckers:
- Avoid cutting off trucks: Always give one car length space for every 10mph when merging in front of a semi.
- Keep a safe distance: When going over 40mph, give yourself 5 seconds of distance between your vehicle and theirs.
- Learn semi-trucks blind spots: Being aware of their blind spots will keep both of you safe.
- Don’t stay in blind spots: If you have to pass through a blind spot, do so at a safe speed. Keep your eyes on your distance when you are directly ahead of or behind them.
- Look for the semi-driver’s face: The rule of thumb is that if you can see their face in their mirrors, they can see you.
- Always pass on the left side: People expect to be passed on the left lane, not the right. Be where they will expect you to be when passing.
- Stay off phones and other distractions: Risks of accidents skyrocket when drivers are distracted by their phones. Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
- Always be cautious: It’s always a good idea to give more space than you need to. The more space between you and a semi, the safer you are.
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