A commercial driver is operating a tractor-trailer and needs to make a left turn at a signalized intersection featuring dual (two) designated left-turn lanes. To safely manage the vehicle's off-tracking and prevent collisions, arrange the following procedural steps in the correct chronological execution order.
- 1Select the outer (rightmost) designated left-turn lane during the intersection approach to maximize the available turning radius.
- 2Drive straight forward into the intersection to establish a deep pivot point before applying any left steering input.
- 3Initiate the left turn, deliberately keeping the tractor on a wide trajectory to compensate for the trailer's inward off-tracking.
- 4Continuously monitor the left convex mirrors throughout the maneuver to ensure the trailer clears vehicles in the inner turn lane.
- 5Recover the steering wheel and align the entire combination vehicle squarely within the appropriate receiving lane.
Answer
The correct sequence begins with selecting the outer turn lane, proceeding straight to the center of the intersection, executing a wide turn, continuously monitoring the left mirrors for off-tracking, and finally recovering into the receiving lane.
Safely navigating a dual left-turn lane requires a specific sequence to manage the physical dimensions of a combination vehicle. The driver must first select the outer (rightmost) turning lane to maintain visibility of other vehicles on the left side. Upon entering the intersection, the driver must proceed straight to the center point before turning to establish a wide trajectory. As the tractor turns wide, the driver must actively monitor the left mirrors to watch the trailer's inward off-tracking, ensuring it does not crush vehicles in the inside lane. Finally, the driver straightens the vehicle into the proper receiving lane.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Dual Left-Turn Lane Procedures and Off-Tracking Management