CDL Combination Vehicles TestDriving Combination Vehicles SafelyEasy
When driving a combination vehicle, which factor is most likely to increase the risk of rollovers?
- ADriving slowly on a straight, level road.
- BMaintaining a consistent speed on highways.
- CMaking wide turns at low speeds.
- DDriving through sharp curves or turns at excessive speeds.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Driving through sharp curves or turns at excessive speeds.
Excessive speed in curves or turns shifts the center of gravity drastically, making combination vehicles highly susceptible to rollovers due to their high center of gravity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Driving slowly on a straight, level road reduces rollover risk, as there's minimal lateral force.
- B. Maintaining a consistent speed on highways generally reduces rollover risk, unless that speed is excessive for conditions or curves.
- C. Making wide turns at low speeds helps prevent rollovers by minimizing lateral forces and allowing the vehicle to track properly.
Rollover Risk Factors
Rollovers in combination vehicles are primarily caused by driving too fast for conditions, especially in curves or turns, due to their high center of gravity.
- High center of gravity.
- Excessive speed in turns.
- Sudden steering inputs.
Memory trick: Slow down in curves to avoid a rollover.