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Difficulty: MediumSpace to the Sides

When faced with two simultaneous lateral hazards—such as oncoming traffic to the left and a pedestrian walking along the right shoulder—a commercial motor vehicle driver should always divide the available lateral clearance equally between both sides.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
The statement is false because commercial driving safety rules require drivers to compromise space rather than split it equally. When faced with multiple lateral hazards, the driver must yield more clearance to the side with the greater potential danger (in this case, the pedestrian).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two competing lateral space hazards presented in the driving scenario.
The driver faces oncoming traffic on the left and an unprotected pedestrian on the right shoulder.
Commercial vehicle operators frequently navigate roadways where multiple obstacles restrict side space simultaneously.
2
Evaluate the standard CDL space-cushion rule regarding dual lateral hazards.
CDL defensive driving standards dictate that when dealing with multiple side hazards, the driver must 'compromise space' by giving greater clearance to the more dangerous or unpredictable hazard.
A pedestrian represents a significantly higher risk of catastrophic injury and unpredictable movement compared to traffic contained in a defined travel lane.
3
Determine the validity of dividing lane space equally regardless of hazard severity.
Dividing space equally is incorrect and dangerous when one hazard carries substantially higher risk.
The driver should favor the side with the lesser danger (oncoming vehicles in their lane) to maximize the cushion around the greater danger (the pedestrian).

Key Concept

Compromising side space between multiple simultaneous hazards by prioritizing the greater danger
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Space to the Sides

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