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Question

Difficulty: EasySpace for Turns

During a turn, the phenomenon known as off-tracking (or 'cheating') affects commercial motor vehicles. Which of the following correctly describes the path taken by the rear wheels relative to the front wheels during a turn?

  1. A
    They swing outward to follow a wider arc outside the path of the front wheels.
  2. B
    They follow the exact same path as the front wheels throughout the entire maneuver.
  3. They follow a shorter path and cut inside the curve taken by the front wheels.Answer
  4. D
    They track inward only when the vehicle is traveling faster than 25 mph.

Answer

The rear wheels follow a shorter path and cut inside the curve taken by the front wheels.
Due to off-tracking (also called 'cheating'), the rear wheels of any turning vehicle take a shorter path than the front wheels and cut inside the turning radius, requiring the commercial driver to compensate by allowing adequate clearance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geometric principle of off-tracking in commercial vehicles.
Recognize that off-tracking (or 'cheating') describes the inward path difference between front steer wheels and rear axles.
Understanding turn geometry is essential for managing side space and preventing curb collisions.
2
Determine the relative trajectory of the rear wheels during a cornering maneuver.
The rear wheels follow a tighter, shorter radius arc compared to the front wheels.
Because the distance between steering and rear axles is fixed, rear tires must cut inside the curve.

Key Concept

Off-tracking causes the rear wheels of a turning commercial vehicle to travel along a shorter, more inward path than the front wheels.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Space for Turns

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