CDL Combination Vehicles TestDriving Combination Vehicles SafelyMedium
You are driving a combination vehicle and need to make a right turn at an intersection. Which of the following is the most critical factor to consider to prevent a 'right turn squeeze'?
- AThe number of lanes on the cross street.
- BThe position of your trailer wheels relative to the curb.
- CThe color of the traffic light.
- DThe presence of a 'No Right Turn on Red' sign.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The position of your trailer wheels relative to the curb.
A 'right turn squeeze' occurs when a combination vehicle turns too sharply and the trailer's rear wheels cut inside the turn, potentially hitting objects or other vehicles. Monitoring the trailer wheels and allowing enough space is crucial to prevent this.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The number of lanes on the cross street is less critical than ensuring the trailer clears the corner on the street you are turning onto.
- C. While important for legal compliance, the traffic light color doesn't directly prevent the physical 'squeeze' of the trailer.
- D. This sign addresses legal restrictions, not the physical dynamics of the turn that cause a squeeze.
Right Turn Squeeze
A hazard where the rear wheels of a long vehicle cut inside the path of the front wheels during a right turn, potentially striking objects or vehicles.
- Tractor-trailer combination requires more turning space.
- Rear wheels follow a shorter path than front wheels (off-tracking).
- Drivers must swing wide to the left before turning right.
- Check mirrors constantly to monitor trailer position.
Memory trick: Wide initial swing, prevent the squeeze sting.