By Lynn Ketchum

What is a No-Zone?  The "No-Zone" represents the danger areas around trucks and buses where crashes are more likely to occur.  Some No-Zones are actual blind spots or areas around trucks and buses where your car "disappears" from the view of the drivers.  These blind spots are the Side No-Zone, Rear No-Zone, and Front No-Zone areas.  The right-side blind spot is doubly dangerous because trucks and buses make wide right turns! Knowing the No-Zones can save your life!  Here are a few examples of No Zones:

◘  Side No Zone:  Don't "hang out" on either side of trucks or buses!  Trucks and buses have big No-Zones (blind spots) on both sides.  They're much larger than your car's blind spots.  If you can't see the driver's face in the side-view mirror, the driver can't see you. If that driver needs to swerve or change lanes for any reason, you're in big trouble!

◙  Rear No Zone:  Avoid Tailgating!  Unlike cars, trucks and buses have huge No-Zones directly behind them.  The truck or bus driver can't see your car there, and you can't see what's going on ahead of you.  If the truck or bus driver brakes or stops suddenly, you have no place to go and could end up running into them.  Pay Closer Attention!  Never cross behind a truck that is backing up!  Hundreds of motorists and pedestrians are killed or injured, each year, by ignoring trucks backing up.  Truck drivers have no rear-view mirror and may not see you cutting in behind them

◙  Front No Zone:  Pass Safely!  You could get "rear-ended" by a truck or bus if you "cut-in front" too soon after passing, then immediately slow down.  If you do this, truck and bus drivers are forced to slam on their brakes.  They need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars.  So, when passing, look for the whole front of the truck in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front, and then don't slow down!

◙  Wide Right Turns:  Avoid the "Squeeze Play"!  Truck and bus drivers sometimes need to swing wide to the left in order to safely make a right turn.  They can't see cars directly behind or beside them.  Trying to "squeeze" in between the commercial vehicle and the curb is an invitation for disaster!

Educating drivers about the No-Zones may reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage from these kinds of crashes.  Do your part and ride responsibly!