CDL Combination Vehicles TestDriving Combination Vehicles SafelyMedium
When driving a combination vehicle, you encounter a strong crosswind. How should you adjust your driving technique to maintain control?
- AReduce speed and steer slightly away from the wind.
- BSteer firmly into the wind and be prepared for sudden gusts.
- CApply the trailer hand brake intermittently to keep the trailer aligned.
- DIncrease speed to gain stability and push through the wind.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Steer firmly into the wind and be prepared for sudden gusts.
Strong crosswinds can push a combination vehicle sideways, especially the trailer. Steering firmly into the wind (counter-steering) helps maintain your lane, and being prepared for sudden gusts allows for quick, controlled adjustments.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Reducing speed is good, but steering away from the wind would exacerbate the effect of the crosswind, pushing you further off course.
- C. Applying the trailer hand brake can cause the trailer wheels to lock, leading to a jackknife, which is extremely dangerous, especially in a crosswind.
- D. Increasing speed reduces control and increases the effect of the wind, making a rollover or loss of control more likely.
Crosswind Driving
To maintain control in strong crosswinds, drivers of combination vehicles should reduce speed, steer firmly into the wind, and be prepared for sudden gusts.
- Crosswinds push vehicles sideways.
- Counter-steering is essential.
- Be aware of sudden gusts.
Memory trick: Wind's strong push, steer against the rush.