puralb t1_iu9ojq6 wrote on October 29, 2022 at 5:21 PM

If you can't see the driver in his side mirrors, he can't see you. I either stay behind tractor trailers or get quickly ahead of them. It's a lot of metal to control and it's possible he didn't see you. Never keep pace side to side with a tractor trailer.

Also the dump trucks on 287 and route 9 are possibly the most dangerous I've encountered.

VaMoInNj t1_iualu3d wrote on October 29, 2022 at 9:17 PM

There are exactly 2 blind spots on trucks. Directly in front of the hood, and directly behind the trailer. Anywhere else, the driver can see either in his mirrors, or by turning his head. The whole "blind spots on the side of trucks" thing is BS. If you're a truck driver and you believe it, try moving your head forward or backwards while looking in the mirror, you will be able to see 100% of the lanes next to your truck.

That said, there are WAY too many truck drivers out there that have no business being behind the wheel of a hot wheels car, never mind an 80,000# truck.

Source - OTR truck driver for 11 years, trucking company management for 6.

WhatDidIDoNow OP t1_iubebci wrote on October 30, 2022 at 1:00 AM

I reviewed the video and clearly shows I am in their line of sight. They cut me off really hard and did not use their signal. However, there was a sign indicating to merge up ahead. Which I believe they saw that sign up ahead before I did and choosing to make that decision right away. However, the way they handled it was not correct and nearly crushed me. Thankfully I was paying attention and kept a safe distance as I always do. If I was a little further up parallel to their trailer, I wouldn't be here writing this message.