While driving on a open highway experiencing severe crosswinds, you are traveling behind a high-profile cargo truck. Which of the following best explains why drivers should maintain a significantly larger following distance than standard conditions require?
- Strong wind gusts can cause high-profile vehicles to suddenly sway or drift sideways into adjacent space.Answer
- BTailgating the large vehicle creates a protective windbreak that stabilizes your steering.
- CCommercial truck drivers intentionally accelerate to maximum posted speeds to cut through crosswinds.
- DStrong crosswinds shorten vehicle stopping distances by providing aerodynamic braking resistance.
Answer
Drivers must maintain a larger following distance because high-profile vehicles are vulnerable to sudden lateral displacement or instability when struck by strong wind gusts.
Large, high-profile vehicles such as cargo trucks, RVs, and trailers catch wind easily due to their high surface area. Sudden gusts can push them sideways into neighboring space or cause temporary loss of vehicle control. Increasing your following distance ensures a safe buffer zone to react.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
High-Profile Vehicle Instability in Strong Crosswinds