A 3-minute lesson from the Maryland course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Trucks and buses have four large blind spots where your car "disappears" from the driver's view. These are the no-zones. If you can't see a truck's mirrors, the driver can't see you.
No-zones
The four large blind spots around trucks and buses where the driver cannot see other vehicles.
Rear no-zones: avoid tailgating. Trucks and buses have huge rear no-zones; the driver can't see your car, and if the truck slows or stops suddenly you have no place to go.
Front no-zones: don't move in front of a truck or bus too soon after passing. Look for both of its headlights in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front, and then don't slow down.
Backing-up no-zones: never cross behind a truck that is backing up. Truck drivers do not have a rear-view mirror and may not see you cutting behind them.
You're riding beside a truck's trailer on its right, one lane over, and can't see the driver's face in the mirror. You're in the right-side no-zone, which reaches three lanes out. Speed up to pass or drop back.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What should you check before pulling in front of a truck or bus you just passed?
Both of its headlights in your mirror
That you are at least one car length ahead
That your turn signal has been on for 3 seconds
Nothing; pulling in front is always fine after passing
Answer: Both of its headlights in your mirror
Look for both headlights of the truck or bus in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front, then don't slow down.
