CDL General Knowledge TestDriving SafelyMedium

You are driving a commercial vehicle on a two-lane road and are approaching a curve. To maintain control and safely navigate the curve, when should you apply your brakes?

  1. AAfter entering the curve, gradually releasing them as you exit.
  2. BBefore entering the curve, and then accelerate gently through it.
  3. COnly if you feel the vehicle starting to lose traction in the curve.
  4. DWhile in the curve, as needed to reduce speed.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Before entering the curve, and then accelerate gently through it.

To safely navigate a curve, you should reduce your speed by braking before entering the curve. This allows you to maintain a safe speed and gently accelerate through the curve, maintaining vehicle stability and control.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Applying brakes after entering the curve can shift weight and reduce traction, leading to instability.
  • C. Waiting until you lose traction is a reactive and dangerous approach that often leads to accidents.
  • D. Braking sharply in a curve can cause a skid or loss of control, especially in a heavy vehicle.

Safe Curve Negotiation

The technique of reducing speed before entering a curve and maintaining a controlled speed or gentle acceleration through it to prevent loss of traction.

  • Brake before the curve
  • Maintain steady speed in curve
  • Avoid braking in the curve

Memory trick: Slow Before, Smooth Through, Safe You.

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