Commercial motor vehicle operators must actively manage lateral clearance to prevent side collisions and maintain safety cushions. How should a driver respond to various lateral driving hazards? Match each side-space driving hazard on the left with its appropriate defensive driving countermeasure on the right.
- Driving adjacent to a line of parked cars along an urban streetPosition the vehicle slightly toward the center or left portion of the lane to stay clear of opening doors and emerging pedestrians.
- Encountering sudden crosswinds when exiting a tunnel or crossing an open bridgeMaintain a firm two-handed grip on the steering wheel and anticipate lateral displacement to keep the vehicle centered.
- Traveling side-by-side with another commercial vehicle in heavy multi-lane trafficAdjust your speed to drop back or pull ahead to avoid entrapment and maintain an open escape route.
- Navigating a narrow roadway with obstacles on both sides where hazards are unequalSplit the available distance while biasing lateral clearance toward the side presenting the greater immediate danger.
Answer
Each side-space hazard is matched to its defensive countermeasure: parked cars require positioning away from opening doors; crosswinds require a firm grip and anticipatory steering against lateral displacement; side-by-side travel requires adjusting speed to restore open space cushions; and dual hazards require splitting the difference while prioritizing the more severe risk.
Managing space to the sides requires active vigilance and proactive adjustments. When driving past parked cars, moving away from them protects against opening doors or pedestrians. In crosswind situations, firm steering control counters sudden sideways drift. In multi-lane traffic, varying speed prevents running in tandem with other vehicles. When confronted with hazards on both sides, splitting the available room while favoring the greater danger minimizes overall risk.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Managing Lateral Space Cushions and Side Hazard Countermeasures
Estimated Time:1m 15s