You are operating an empty 53-foot tractor-trailer on a three-lane highway experiencing strong, gusty crosswinds. You are currently driving in the center lane. A passenger vehicle is pacing your truck continuously on your left side, and a slower-moving flatbed truck is traveling ahead of you in the right lane. You are approaching a gradual right-hand curve. According to commercial driving best practices for managing space to the sides, which of the following is the most appropriate sequence of actions?
- AShift your vehicle to hug the right-side lane divider to maximize distance from the passenger car, assuming the trailer will naturally follow the tractor's path through the curve.
- BMaintain your highway speed until you are inside the curve to keep the trailer taut, then apply the brakes gently if the crosswinds push you toward the lane markers.
- Smoothly reduce your speed before the curve to let the pacing passenger vehicle pass, and keep your tractor-trailer perfectly centered in your lane to maximize lateral clearance.Answer
- DAccelerate to pull ahead of the passenger vehicle, then immediately merge into the right lane behind the flatbed truck while maintaining a standard two-second following distance.
Answer
Smoothly reduce your speed before the curve to let the pacing passenger vehicle pass, and keep your tractor-trailer perfectly centered in your lane to maximize lateral clearance.
The safest method for managing space to the sides is to stay perfectly centered in the lane and avoid traveling next to other vehicles. By reducing speed, the driver eliminates the entrapment caused by the pacing vehicle, creating an open escape route. Remaining centered ensures maximum lateral clearance on both sides, which is especially critical to accommodate the trailer's off-tracking during the upcoming curve.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Defensive Lane Positioning and Side Space Management
Estimated Time:1m 30s