California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Rules of the Road and Right-of-WayMedium
You are driving on a two-lane highway, and you see a large commercial truck signaling to change lanes into your lane. What is the safest action to take?
- ASlow down and allow the truck to complete its lane change.
- BSpeed up to pass the truck before it can change lanes.
- CMaintain your speed and position, forcing the truck to wait.
- DHonk your horn repeatedly to alert the truck driver of your presence.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Slow down and allow the truck to complete its lane change.
Large commercial trucks require more space for lane changes and have larger blind spots. It is safer to slow down and give them adequate room to merge, promoting safe driving for everyone.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is aggressive and dangerous, potentially leading to a collision.
- C. This is uncooperative and unsafe, as trucks need ample space.
- D. While alerting is good, repeatedly honking without yielding space is not the safest primary action.
Sharing Road with Large Trucks
Due to their size and weight, large trucks have unique operating characteristics, including larger blind spots and longer stopping distances. Drivers should give them extra space.
- Avoid driving in their 'no zones' (blind spots).
- Give them extra room when they are turning or changing lanes.
- Allow more following distance behind them.
Memory trick: Give trucks space, they need more room to operate.