Driving In Truck ‘No Zones’ Increases King County Truck Accident Risks
Truck accidents in King County are unfortunately common and tend to be one of the most severe types of crashes. The massive size of most semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles serves to protect the truck driver, but other motorists involved can end up suffering potentially life-threatening personal injuries. Our Issaquah truck accident attorney explains how getting stuck in truck ‘no-zones’ increases the risks.
No Zones A Common Cause of Truck Accidents in Issaquah
According to the local Department of Transportation (WSDOT), more than 6,000 truck accidents in Washington State happen each year. Close to 2,000 of these occur in King County alone. With Interstate 90 running directly through our area, drivers in Issaquah need to be aware of the risks.
There are a variety of ways in which truck accidents in Issaquah can happen. Among the most common include:
- Jack-knife truck accidents, which is when sudden stops cause the truck trailer to swing up alongside the cab;
- Rear-collision accidents, in which a trucker strikes another vehicle from behind;
- T-bone truck accidents, common in intersections;
- Side-swipe truck accidents, which often occur when passing.
Driving in truck no-zones is a common contributing cause in each of these crashes. No zones are large blind spots along each side, in front of, and behind a truck. Driving or getting caught in these areas significantly increases your risk of being involved in a truck accident in Issaquah.
Steer Clear Of Truck Blind Spots
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns drivers that no-zone accidents are one of the most common types of truck crashes. If you are traveling alongside any type of large commercial vehicle or attempting to pass, you need to be aware of where they are located and avoid getting caught in these spots as much as possible.
On most semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, box trucks, or other large rigs, no-zones are located in the following areas:
- In front of a truck: No zones in front of a truck extend out 30 feet;
- In the back of a truck: Rear no zones extend a similar distance behind a truck and into opposing lanes;
- On the left side of a truck: No zones span the length of the cab in the left lane;
- On the right side: No zones extend out across two opposing lanes and run from the cab clear through to the trailer.
As a general rule of thumb, if you are unable to see the truck driver sitting in the cab, they are unable to see you.
Injured In A Truck Accident In Issaquah? Contact Injury Law Group NW
You can reduce your risks of truck accidents in Issaquah by avoiding truck no-zones. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. If you end up being injured in a crash, reach out to Injury Law Group NW. We help you get the compensation you need to recover. Give us a call or contact our office online to request a consultation today.
Sources:
remoteapps.wsdot.wa.gov/highwaysafety/collision/data/portal/public/
fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/ourroads/80251/driving-safely-around-cmvs.pdf
