Florida Drivers Handbook |
3.15. The "No Zone"
The "No-Zone"
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Blind Spots. Although
most large vehicles have several rearview mirrors, it
is easy for a car or motorcycle to be hidden in a large
vehicle's blind spot. Do not follow closely behind a truck
or a bus. When driving near a large vehicle, be aware
of the driver's blind spots on the right, left, front
and behind.
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Rear Blind Spots. Unlike
passenger cars, trucks and buses have deep blind spots
directly behind them. Tailgating greatly increases your
chances of a rear-end collision with a commercial vehicle.
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Unsafe Passing. Another
"No Zone" is just in front of trucks and buses.
When passing a bus or truck, be sure you can see the cab
in your rearview mirror before pulling in front.
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Wide Right Turns.
Truck and bus drivers sometimes need to swing wide to
the left in order to safely negotiate a right turn. They
cannot see cars directly behind or beside them. Cutting
in between the commercial vehicle and the curb or shoulder
to the right increases the possibility of a crash.
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Backing Up. When a
truck is backing up, it sometimes must block the street
to maneuver its trailer accurately. Never cross behind
a truck that is preparing to back up or is in the process
of doing so. Remember, most trailers are eight and a half
feet wide and can completely hide objects that suddenly
come between them and loading areas. Automobile drivers
attempting to pass behind a truck enter a blind spot for
both drivers.
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When passing a truck, first check to
your front and rear, and move into the passing lane only
if it is clear and you are in a legal passing zone. Let
the truck driver know you are passing by blinking your
headlights, especially at night. The driver will make
it easier for you by staying to the far side of the lane.
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On a level highway, it takes only three
to five seconds longer to pass a truck than a car. On
an upgrade, a truck often loses speed, so it is easier
to pass than a car. On a downgrade, the truck’s
momentum will cause it to go faster, so you may need to
increase your speed.
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Complete your pass as quickly as possible,
and don’t stay alongside the other vehicle.
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If the driver blinks his lights after
you pass, it’s a signal that it is clear to pull
back in. Be sure to move back only when you can see the
front of the truck in your rear-view mirror. After you
pass a truck, maintain your speed.
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When a truck passes you, you can help
the truck driver by keeping to the far side of your lane.
You’ll make it easier for the truck driver if you
reduce your speed slightly. In any event, do not speed
up while the truck is passing. After passing, the truck
driver will signal to let you know that the truck will
be returning to your lane.
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When you meet a truck coming from the
opposite direction, keep as far as possible to the side
to avoid a sideswipe crash and to reduce the wind turbulence
between the two vehicles. Remember that the turbulence
pushes the vehicles apart, it does not draw them together.
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In general, trucks take slightly longer
than cars to stop because of their size. However, at highway
speeds or on wet roads, trucks may have better traction
and stability allowing them to stop more quickly. A car
following too closely may not be able to stop quickly
enough to avoid rear-ending the truck.
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If you are following a truck, stay
out of its "blind spot" to the rear. Avoid following
too closely, and position your vehicle so the truck driver
can see it in his side mirrors. Then you will have a good
view of the road ahead, and the truck driver can give
you plenty of warning for a stop or a turn. You will have
more time to react and make a safe stop.
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When you follow a truck at night, always
dim your headlights. Bright lights from a vehicle behind
will blind the truck driver when they reflect off the
truck’s large side mirrors.
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If you are stopped behind a truck on
an upgrade, leave space in case the truck drifts back
slightly when it starts to move. Also, keep to the left
in your lane so the driver can see that you’re stopped
behind the truck.
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