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Difficulty: MediumExtreme Weather Driving (High Winds, Dust Storms, Intense Heat)

You are driving a passenger car on an open highway during severe high-wind conditions. When passing a large commercial truck, what driving maneuver should you anticipate and perform to maintain vehicle control?

  1. Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands and prepare for sudden lateral wind gusts when clearing the truck.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain your speed at the posted speed limit to clear the truck as quickly as possible, regardless of wind severity.
  3. C
    Switch on high-beam headlights to improve visibility and signal to the truck driver that crosswinds are active.
  4. D
    Decrease following distance significantly before pulling out to block wind resistance behind the commercial trailer.

Answer

Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands and prepare for sudden lateral wind gusts when clearing the truck.
When passing a large commercial vehicle in high winds, the truck temporarily blocks the crosswind. As your vehicle clears the front of the truck, the full force of the wind will suddenly hit your vehicle again. Maintaining a firm two-handed grip on the steering wheel allows you to react instantly and maintain your lane position safely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the aerodynamic hazard created by large vehicles in high winds
Recognize that a large commercial truck acts as a temporary windbreak, creating sudden pressure changes.
While directly beside the truck, crosswinds are blocked, but as soon as the front of your vehicle passes the truck, strong side gusts will suddenly hit your car again.
2
Apply physical control techniques
Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands in the proper position.
A firm two-handed grip gives you maximum control to counteract buffeting without oversteering or drifting out of your lane.
3
Adjust vehicle speed appropriately under the Basic Speed Law
Reduce speed below maximum posted limits if crosswinds threaten vehicle stability.
Slower speeds allow better control and give the driver more time to react to sudden wind blasts.

Key Concept

Handling High Winds and Crosswind Turbulence When Passing Large Vehicles
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Topics

Extreme Weather Driving (High Winds, Dust Storms, Intense Heat)

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