A tractor-trailer is approaching a curved highway exit ramp during a heavy rainstorm with noticeable standing water on the pavement. To prevent hydroplaning, drive-wheel lockup, and loss of directional control, which set of actions should the driver take?
- AMaintain normal highway cruising speed until reaching the ramp entrance, then apply the service brakes firmly while steering through the curve.
- Reduce speed by about one-third before entering the curve, turn off the engine retarder, and avoid sudden steering or aggressive braking.Answer
- CEngage the engine retarder at its maximum setting to slow the vehicle continuously without using service brakes throughout the wet curve.
- DDelay deceleration until halfway through the curve, assuming that standing water only affects mechanical brake friction rather than total stopping and perception distance.
Answer
Reduce speed by about one-third before entering the curve, turn off the engine retarder, and avoid sudden steering or aggressive braking.
On wet pavement, CDL safety standards require drivers to reduce their speed by approximately one-third and to accomplish all necessary deceleration before entering a curve. Furthermore, engine retarders must always be switched off whenever roads are wet or slippery because their braking force on the drive wheels can cause drive-wheel skids and jackknifing.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Speed reduction on wet surfaces, curve speed management, and retarder deactivation on slippery roads.
Estimated Time:1m 0s