Why Do Trucks Need to Make Wide Right Turns?

You’ve likely seen the sticker on the back of a semi-truck or 18-wheeler with something like, “Caution, Wide Right Turns” or an image of a smaller car to the right of a truck with a large red X, indicating that it’s not safe to be to the right side of a truck as it makes a wide right turn. These warnings are there for a good reason. Unlike passenger cars, large trucks can’t make tight right turns from the rightmost lane. The reason comes down to one thing: size. While a car, pickup truck, or even an SUV is small enough to hug the corner when turning right, a fully loaded tractor-trailer can be up to 80 feet long—and that length creates serious limitations when navigating turns.

When a vehicle turns, the rear wheels don’t follow the same path as the front wheels. This is called "off-tracking." With smaller vehicles, it’s essentially unnoticeable, but the longer the vehicle, the more dramatic the effect becomes. If a truck driver attempted to make a sharp right turn from the right lane without adjusting, the trailer could run over curbs, hit signs, crush pedestrians, or collide with nearby vehicles. To avoid this, drivers must swing the cab wide—often into the adjacent lane—to give the trailer enough room to complete the turn safely.

In this article, we break down why trucks make wide right turns, the hazards involved, and how victims can pursue justice when something goes wrong.

The Mechanics Behind Wide Right Turns

The need for wide right turns starts with the basics: tractor-trailers are incredibly large and inflexible. Consider that, while a standard passenger vehicle is about 15 feet long, the average semi-truck with a trailer is 70–80 feet long.

Because of this length, when a truck turns right, the trailer doesn’t follow the same path as the cab. Instead, the rear wheels of the trailer swing much tighter than the front wheels. If a truck were to make a right turn from the rightmost lane without adjusting its angle, the trailer would almost certainly jump the curb or collide with whatever’s beside it—pedestrians, cars, poles, or buildings.

To avoid this, truck drivers must swing left before turning right, giving the trailer enough room to clear the corner safely. It’s not optional; it’s essential.

The Hidden Danger of Wide Right Turns: Squeeze Play Accidents

For tractor-trailers, semis, and 18-wheelers, wide right turns are necessary, but they also create serious risks. One of the most common and deadly results is a “squeeze play” accident.

Here’s how it happens:

• A truck driver begins a wide right turn by moving left first.
• A car behind the truck mistakenly thinks the truck is changing lanes or turning left.
• The car tries to pass the truck on the right.
• As the truck turns right, the car gets trapped between the trailer and the curb or, worse, crushed under the trailer wheels.

These accidents happen in seconds, but the consequences last forever. We’ve seen squeeze play accidents cause catastrophic injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, permanent spinal cord damage, and amputations or crush injuries, as well as fatalities in far too many instances. Sadly, these accidents are almost always preventable.

How to Safe Around Trucks Making Wide Right Turns

Truck drivers must exercise caution, but other drivers can also take steps to avoid getting caught in a dangerous situation. Here are a few important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never try to pass a turning truck on the right – Even if the truck seems to be veering left, it may be preparing to swing wide for a right turn. Always assume the truck could be turning.
• Watch for turn signals – Pay attention to the truck’s turn signals/blinkers. A signal for a right turn means the truck will need extra space and may move unpredictably to complete the turn.
• Stay out of blind spots – Large trucks have considerable blind spots, especially along the right side and behind the trailer. If you can't see the driver's mirrors, they probably can't see you.
• Give trucks plenty of space – Whether behind them at a light or next to them on the road, trucks need a wide berth. Giving them more distance gives everyone more time to react safely.
• Be patient – Trucks making wide right turns take longer to do so and require more room. Don't rush or try to squeeze past a truck that’s preparing to turn. Remember, it’s never worth the risk.

Who Is at Fault in a Wide Turn Accident?

Determining fault in a wide right turn accident isn’t always simple but, in many cases, it comes down to negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company.

Common forms of negligence that can cause these crashes include:

• Poor training – Truck drivers must be trained to execute wide turns safely and anticipate the movements of other vehicles. If a company fails to properly train a driver, they may be held liable.
• Failure to signal or check blind spots – Truck drivers must use turn signals and mirrors carefully. If they begin a turn without checking for smaller vehicles alongside them, the consequences can be disastrous.
• Improper route planning – Some roads are too narrow for wide turns. If a company routes a driver through tight urban streets or improperly marked detours, they increase the risk of a serious crash.
• Fatigue or distracted driving – A tired or distracted driver is more likely to make mistakes, misjudge distances, or react too slowly to danger. This can lead to devastating or even fatal accidents.

In other words, while wide turns are a known challenge, they are no excuse for carelessness. Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for adapting to the risks, not endangering others to save time or money.

What the Law Says About Wide Right Turns

Commercial truck drivers are bound by federal and state regulations that govern their behavior on the road. These include requirements like:

• Keeping their vehicles in a single lane unless it's safe to move over
• Using appropriate signals well in advance of a turn
• Being constantly aware of their vehicle’s blind spots and surroundings

Failing to follow these rules is a clear form of negligence, but, at Arnold & Itkin, we’ve seen trucking companies try to shift blame onto victims, claiming that they should have “known better” than to drive near a turning truck. However, the law is clear: professional drivers have a higher duty of care. They are operating vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and cause catastrophic damage in an instant. They must be held accountable when they fail to follow safety standards or act negligently, leading to real, life-changing harm.

What to Do If You Were Hurt in a Truck Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a wide right turn—or any kind of truck accident—you need a law firm that knows how to fight back. At Arnold & Itkin, we’ve gone up against the largest trucking companies in the country. We know their tactics, we know how they try to cover up mistakes, and we know how to uncover the truth. Our team has won billions of dollars for clients who were told they didn’t have a case.

Our truck accident attorneys understand the risks involved when semis, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers make wide right turns. What’s more, we know how to prove a truck driver, trucking company, or other entity was negligent, and that this is what led to our client’s injuries. With our team by your side, you have an advocate that won’t back down when it comes to seeking the justice you deserve and the recovery you need to heal.

Wide Right Turns Shouldn’t Mean Wide-Open Risk

Wide right turns are a fact of life for big trucks, but the danger they pose is preventable. To avoid accidents, drivers and trucking companies must follow the rules and put safety first. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. All too often, corners are cut and regulations are ignored, often with catastrophic results.

If you or your family has been harmed by a truck’s wide right turn, you deserve answers. You deserve accountability. And you deserve justice. Arnold & Itkin is here to help. We’ve won record-setting results for victims of trucking negligence, and we won’t stop fighting until you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life.