CDL Combination Vehicles TestDriving Combination Vehicles SafelyHard
A commercial driver is operating a combination vehicle on a multilane highway and notices a vehicle attempting to pass on the right, but is moving very slowly. What is the most appropriate action for the combination vehicle driver?
- AFlash your lights and honk to encourage the passing vehicle to speed up.
- BMaintain speed and position, as the passing vehicle is responsible for clearing.
- CIncrease speed to prevent the slow-moving vehicle from passing.
- DGently move to the left side of your lane to provide more space for the passing vehicle.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Gently move to the left side of your lane to provide more space for the passing vehicle.
When another vehicle is attempting to pass, especially on the right where visibility might be reduced, it's a defensive driving practice to provide as much space as possible. Gently moving to the left within your lane, if safe, allows more room for the other vehicle to complete its maneuver without increasing risk.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Flashing lights and honking can cause confusion or aggression and does not directly solve the space issue.
- B. Maintaining position without adjustment might not be the most defensive action, especially with a slow passer.
- C. Increasing speed to prevent passing is aggressive, illegal in some areas, and creates a dangerous situation.
Defensive Driving: Being Passed
When being passed by another vehicle, especially a slow one or one passing on the right, provide extra space by moving within your lane if safe.
- Aid other drivers in passing safely.
- Maintain your speed, don't accelerate.
- Give extra space if possible.
Memory trick: Passer's slow dance, give them space, avoid the chance.