This year alone, I’ve watched dozens of semi-truck dash cam videos of various freeway driving scenarios. It’s certainly unsettling to be hauling down the highway at a high pace with a cluster of mixed vehicles, including commercial trucks. While they’re professionally trained and mostly seem to have to deal with the poor decisions of other drivers, mistakes can happen. If you’re wondering whether truck drivers can see you, there’s actually a very simple way to tell.

Check the truck’s mirrors. If you can see the driver’s face in either side glass, they can see you. Know that pretty much, if you’re not visible in their mirrors, you’re in a blind spot.

Of course, it’s one thing to see the truck driver’s face. It’s another to take comfort in their level of attention. If you see the driver checking their mirrors frequently, they’re aware of their surroundings, too.

There are other ways to stay proactively safe around a semi-truck. It’s very important to keep out of blind spots. Trucks have several large blind spots, but the biggest ones are along the right side and directly behind the truck. Next is the left side along the truck’s cabin, so don’t tailgate. Finally, the direct front of the truck is a blind spot.

Keep in mind that semi-trucks need a lot of space to maneuver. If you’re in one of their blind spots, they might not see you, which could cause an accident. Avoid lingering in these areas; pass quickly and safely.

Finally, use your lights. If you’re driving in low visibility conditions, like fog or heavy rain, turn on your headlights. This helps the truck driver see you better. Communicate with your signals. Use your indicators well in advance. This gives the truck driver time to react and adjust if needed.

By staying visible and cautious, you can ensure that semi-truck drivers see you.

Source: Utah Department of Transportation