Day: June 20, 2025

Most drivers know to watch out for trucks, but few actually understand what makes driving near them risky. One of the biggest hazards of sharing the road with large trucks is their blind spots. These aren’t just small areas that drivers miss. They’re large enough to hide an entire vehicle. On busy streets and highways in Roseville, this becomes a serious safety concern for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Blind spots can cause trouble when you’re merging, turning, or even sitting still at an intersection. A truck driver might not see you at all, even if you’re right next to them. The key is being aware and knowing where it’s safe to drive. Understanding the danger zones around trucks helps people avoid accidents and make better decisions on the road.

What Are Truck Blind Spots?

Unlike regular cars, trucks have massive gaps in their visibility, even with their extended mirrors. These blind spots are areas where truck drivers have little to no view of other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. If someone falls into one of these zones, the truck driver may have no idea they’re there. Due to the height and length of trucks, these spots stretch out farther and cover wider zones compared to normal vehicles.

Here are the most common blind spot areas on a commercial truck:

– Front blind spot: Right in front of the truck cab. Because of the high seat position, a driver may not see objects close to the front of the truck.
– Right-side blind spot: Usually the largest, stretching across several lanes next to the truck.
– Left-side blind spot: Smaller than the right but still present. Drivers may believe this side is safer, but that assumption can cause problems.
– Rear blind spot: Located directly behind the trailer. It’s an area where mirrors aren’t effective at all.

Think about a common turn scenario. You’re on the right side of a truck at an intersection, and it begins to swing out to the left before making a right turn. Many large trucks do this to create enough turning space. From your seat, it might look like the truck is heading left, giving you a false sense of safety. In reality, if you move forward on the right during this moment, the truck could turn into your space without ever seeing you.

Avoiding blind spots is not just helpful—it’s necessary. Being too close to a truck in these areas puts you at risk for serious accidents.

Real-Life Risks on Roseville Roads

Roseville sees regular truck traffic due to its shopping centers, warehouses, and proximity to major routes like Interstate 80 and State Route 65. Whether trucks are delivering to local businesses or just passing through, they’re a consistent part of the city’s daily traffic.

Streets like Douglas Boulevard, Harding Boulevard, and Galleria Boulevard carry volumes of cars and heavy-duty trucks. In areas like these, blind spot risks increase due to lane-changing, merging onto highways, and limited space during rush hour.

One frequent scenario involves a car trying to pass a truck on the right along a multi-lane road. The driver may enter a blind spot without realizing it just as the truck prepares to shift lanes. In dense traffic zones or construction areas, quick movements can cause a collision before either driver is fully aware.

Pedestrians and cyclists face risks, especially near intersections. A person walking in a crosswalk might assume the truck driver sees them. But from the cab, the pedestrian might be completely out of sight. A cyclist riding close to the side of a turning trailer can easily vanish from view, particularly if the truck gains speed or begins changing lanes.

Being mindful of these hazards helps everyone. Knowing where trucks have blind spots and staying out of those zones lowers the chance of dangerous accidents in Roseville.

Safety Tips for Avoiding Truck Blind Spots

Knowing where blind spots are is just step one. Avoiding them while driving, walking, or biking takes practice and focus. Here are tips that can help you stay safe, especially when sharing Roseville’s roads with trucks:

– Do not travel alongside a truck for long periods. If you need to pass, do it quickly and safely.
– Stay out of the right-side blind spot whenever possible. A good rule is: if you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their mirror, they probably can’t see you.
– Give trucks extra space. Following too closely means you’re in their rear blind spot.
– Use caution at traffic signals and intersections. Trucks take wider turns, and they might need more time to maneuver.
– Be alert for wide right turns. Trucks often swing left before turning right. Don’t place yourself between the truck and the curb.
– Use your headlights in cloudy weather or during early morning and dusk hours to improve your visibility.
– If you’re a cyclist, ride in a way that makes you more visible. Take the lane if traffic laws allow, rather than riding along the curb close to a trailer.
– Pedestrians should never assume a truck driver sees them. Make eye contact before crossing in front of a truck, even at a crosswalk.

As we approach the summer season in Roseville, heavy seasonal traffic and road maintenance can increase accident risks. Staying focused and aware of your surroundings can make a difference.

What To Do If You’re Involved in a Truck Accident

Truck accidents can feel overwhelming. The size and impact involved make for a different experience than a regular car crash. If you’re in one, your actions right after matter—both for safety and for handling what comes next.

Here’s what to do if you’re involved in a crash with a truck:

– Check yourself and others for injuries. Call emergency services immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
– If it’s safe, move away from the traffic flow. Avoid standing near the truck or in blind spots.
– Take photos with your phone. Capture the scene, damage to all vehicles, street signs, and any visible injuries.
– Get contact details from the truck driver. Ask for their name, employer, insurance information, and license plate number. Don’t forget info from witnesses if possible.
– Refrain from making detailed statements at the scene. Try not to admit fault, assume blame, or speculate.
– As soon as possible, write down what happened. Details like traffic flow, light conditions, and vehicle direction are easier to remember right after the event.

Accidents involving trucks often require someone who understands how these cases unfold in a local setting like Roseville. Legal guidance from professionals experienced in truck accident situations can help you handle the steps that follow.

Staying Safe Around Trucks in Roseville

It doesn’t take much for a situation to escalate when blind spots are involved. Trucks may make wide turns, brake slower, or unintentionally move into zones where other road users are present but unseen. Knowing how these vehicles operate allows you to make smarter choices every time you hit the road.

On Roseville’s busy streets and highways, being cautious is more than just a good habit. It’s a way of protecting yourself and others. Giving large trucks extra room, staying out of their danger zones, and being patient during lane changes all help lower your risk.

Whether you’re driving on the freeway or crossing at an intersection, awareness goes a long way. If a truck accident occurs and you’re involved, documenting the scene and taking calm, informed steps afterward can help you move forward in a more secure direction.

By knowing where blind spots are and staying clear of them, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in Roseville can stay safer and more confident while sharing the road.

If you’ve been involved in a collision with a large truck, understanding your next steps can make a big difference. The Roseville truck accident lawyers at Gingery Hammer & Associates, LLP are here to help you make informed decisions during a difficult time. Learn how our team supports clients through the process and works to protect their well-being every step of the way.