Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
General Information about Large Trucks
Slides 1 – 4
U.S. truck drivers travel over 433 billion miles each year. Trucks transport many goods that
support the nation’s economy.
Characteristics of a tractor trailer:

Legal weight of a large truck (18-wheeler) is 40 tons or 80,000 pounds

Average overall length will vary between 70 and 80 feet

Standard height is 13 feet 6 inches.

Have 12 gears – 10 forward and 2 reverse

Have 5 axles
These vehicles are quite expensive. The cab, depending on the options an owner requests,
ranges from $80,000 to $120,000. A truck’s new trailer may range from $30,000 to $60,000.
That’s a new truck cost average of $150,000. Those with a sleeper, refrigerator, DVD and TV
systems, and other upgrades run much higher.
There are over 500,000 U.S. commercial tractor trailer crashes each year. On average, 5,200
trucks are involved in fatal crashes each year. The largest number of tractor trailer crashes
occurs in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. Almost two-thirds of all fatal
crashes occur in rural areas in daylight. 84% of tractor trailer crashes occur on dry roads. While
many people think that trucks cause crashes, The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration finds that 71% of fatal multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks are caused by
the other vehicle.
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Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Truck Terms
Slide 5
TERMS
DEFINITION
CDL
Commercial Drivers License
 A specialized license that requires drivers to study, to pay fees, and to
demonstrate skills in handling of large trucks. CDL trucks weigh over 26,000
pounds gross vehicle weight. There are various types of CDLs that are for
specific and specialized truck vehicles so drivers may hold more than one
CDL.
Bobtailing
Truck cabs without a trailer attached
 This is necessary at times but can be dangerous especially in wet weather.
Tandem
Two tires riding side-by-side on the trailer
 This is a safety design so that if one tire in the pair blows out, the other tire
will maintain the load preventing the rim of the blown tire from touching the
pavement.
Mud Flaps
Traditionally mud flaps help prevent smaller road debris from being thrown back
by the truck’s tires onto the roadway or into vehicles that are behind and/or
sometime beside the truck
 Air going underneath and around a trailer results in drag on the truck. While
the mud flaps do prevent some smaller road debris from being thrown back,
these flaps as well as “skirting” helps reduce wind resistance and air flow
around and under the trailer. Both flaps and skirts provide for better fuel
economy.
Sleeper
An area in the back of the cab in which the driver sleeps
 Area in the rear of some cabs designed as an addition to allow a driver to
sleep in the truck.
LCV
Long Combination Vehicles
 Many trucks we see on the road are single trailers. However, some
companies use double or triple trailers (LCV) with one cab. Double and triple
trailer range from 68 feet up to 96 feet. This does not include the length of
the truck’s cab.
2
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
LCV – Longer Combination Vehicles
Slide 6
Single, Double, and Triple Trailers
While the rules for the maximum height and weight of tractor trailers differs from one state to
another, most tractor trailers operate on our interstate system. The interstate system and the
rules for tractor trailers are governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Individual states
may allow longer vehicles to operate on roads other than the interstate system. In addition, the
use of special permits may be issued to exceed the standards. No state, however, allows more
than 3 trailer configurations without a special permit.
Longer Combination Vehicles (LCV) types include:
VEHICLE
Trailers Only
TRAILER/S
LENGTH EACH
WEIGHT
Up To
TOTAL LENGTH
Trailers Only
SINGLES
1
Up to 53 feet
80,000 lbs.
53 feet
TURNPIKE
DOUBLES
2
48 feet
147,000 lbs.
96 feet
ROCKY
MOUNTAIN
DOUBLES
2
1 @ 40-53 feet
and
1 @ 28.5 feet
129,000 lbs.
68.5 to 71.5 feet
TRIPLES
3
28.5 feet
129,000 lbs.
85.5 feet
The triple trailers are more commonly seen in some of the western states. The roads travelled
by both double and triple trailers need to be large enough and designed to accommodate the
special handling and maneuvers of these trailers.
3
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Handling Characteristics of Large Trucks
Slide 7
The 18-wheeler is a large, expensive, heavy vehicle. When compared with a car, it …









Requires more turning space
Requires a greater braking distance
Has more gears (10 forward and 2 reverse) than a car
Has larger blind spots that can hide even another semi from the driver’s view
Needs more space and distance to execute a merge or exit from the freeway
Has a high center of gravity making it more susceptible to rollovers
Can drift backward as much as 15 feet before the forward gears engage when it is
stopped on an upgrade
Can gain speed when traveling on a downgrade especially if it is carrying a full load
Has 2 parts in which the trailer can move faster than the cab causing it to jackknife
The handling of a truck will vary due to:
VARIATIONS
for the Truck and/or the Driver
COMMENTS
1. Driver training and skills

What training and what experience does the driver have
with the specific vehicle being driven?
2. Tires


Good condition versus poor
Air pressure
3. Vehicle design

Tanker, 18-wheeler, flat bed, new car carrier, hauler,
oversize load
4. Load


Full or partial load and the stability of the load
Type of load (Example: Dowel rods versus concrete
pipes; liquid versus solid)
5. Speed of the vehicle

Is the truck going the speed limit? Is the driver driving too
fast for conditions?
6. Number of trailers

Does the truck have a single, double, or triple trailer
configuration?
7. Road condition/s


Is the highway in good repair
What is the weather? Rain, snow and ice, high winds?
8. Highway design

Flat, up and/or downhill grades, curves or winding roads,
limited access or multiple access highway, etc.
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Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Warning Signs for Trucks
Slide 8
While traffic and road signs are for all drivers, there are specific signs that are more applicable
to trucks.
WARNING SIGN
SIGN’S
MEANING
WARNS THE TRUCK’S DRIVER
Steep Grade
Take precautions and be prepared for the effects of
this grade on the truck; Braking and possibly gear
down to slow the engine
Rollover Potential
Highway design or condition may make the potential
for a shift in stability of the vehicle resulting in a
rollover
Low Ground
Clearance
Know the truck’s dimensions above as well as below
the truck. Slow down when crossing this area.
Maximum Height
Warning
Know the truck’s dimensions and know the route. The
driver may need to determine an alternate route to
safely get to their destination and avoid this situation
 Remember that the maximum height for a trailer
is 13 feet 6 inches.
 What suggestion would you make should a truck
gets “stuck” under the bridge or overpass?
- Answer: Let some air out of the tires to lower
the height of the truck.
As the driver of a car, you should be aware of these signs and potential situations that might
arise around the tractor trailers. Be cautious. Think ahead. Prepare for evasive action in case of
an emergency.
5
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Warning and Regulatory Signs for Trucks
Slide 9
WARNING OR
REGULATORY
SIGN
SIGN’S
MEANING
WARNS THE TRUCK’S DRIVER

Truck Route
Trucks Use
Right Lane

This route while used by others is designated for
trucks because of highway design, traffic patterns,
construction specifically done to handle truck
weights and high volume
Others highway users need to be prepared to
drive with large trucks, know the handling
characteristics, and their responsibilities when
sharing the road.

Trucks on this roadway are to use the right lane.
This may be because of highway design or grade,
traffic volume, an upcoming weigh station, or
local/state regulations. Multiple trucks in this lane
may slow traffic.

Drivers should use caution when passing and returning
to the lane shared with the trucks. Be aware that in the
event of an emergency a truck may still come into the
left lane. Pay attention. Be ready for evasive action.

In some areas where steep grades have the
potential to result in a truck speeding out of control
or have brake failure, designated areas have been
placed into the highway design so that trucks may
use them in case of an emergency. Most runaway
ramps are on the right but some are found on the
opposite side of the highway from the traffic’s flow.

There ramps may be used by cars in the event of
brake failure or speeding out of control.

Lower gears are needed on steeply pitched or
winding roads. It helps gear down the engine. This
sign alerts drivers to the need for lower gears on
this roadway.

It should be a warning to all drivers of the type of
roadway and its potential to create an emergency.
Runaway
Truck Ramp
(Distance 1 mile)
Warning – Use
Low Gear
These additional warning and regulatory signs again may be more for the driver of an 18wheeler but other highway users must know that such signs are warnings to them as well. All
drivers must realize situations may arise and they will need to plan ahead in case of an
emergency.
6
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Hazardous Materials
Slides 10 – 12
The nation’s economy relies on large trucks and with that comes the transport of materials that
can pose a risk to people, animals, and the environment if not controlled. Vehicles are specially
designed for the transport of hazardous materials. Drivers of these vehicles have received
special training in transport and delivery and carry a commercial driver’s license indicating this.
Hazardous materials trucks or HazMat trucks are labeled on the back and/or sides of the
vehicle. These materials are grouped into 9 classes with sub-classes of similar substances in
each. Common hazardous materials include dry ice, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloric acid,
dynamite, fireworks, oxygen, and gasoline. The sign on the truck often contains a symbol, a
name or number of the substance and the class number. Occasionally, the class number is
followed by a decimal and another number, say 1.1 or 1.4. Class 1 is explosives. A number
such as 1.1 indicates a sub-class of Class 1 which is dynamite. The number 1.4 is a Class 1
explosive and is for consumer fireworks.
Some hazardous materials transport trucks are of the tractor trailer variety while others are
tankers. One of the most commonly transported hazardous materials is gasoline.
Actions to think about:
1.
When passing, be sure there is sufficient distance to allow you to pass and return to the
driving lane without speeding and without “cutting off” the truck.
a. Remember, it is safe to return to the driving lane when you can see the front of
the truck and its wheels in your rearview mirror.
2. Watch for hills. Remember that trucks may slow going uphill but when going downhill a
truck will often gain speed quickly. Speed is increased by gravity and weight of the load.
3. Allow space and room to maneuver in the event of an emergency situation with the
HazMat truck, another vehicle, or with your own vehicle.
4.
Remember that a liquid HazMat load poses special dangers if sloshing or surging
occurs.
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Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Hazardous Materials Placards
The information displayed on the sign indicates the
contents being transported in the vehicle. Hazardous
materials are grouped into 9 classes. Under each
class are sub-classes of similar materials.
Class
Description
1
Explosives
2
Gases
3
Flammable Liquids
4
Flammable Solids
5
Oxidizing Agents and Organic
Peroxides
6
Toxic and Infectious
Substances
7
Radioactive Substances
8
Corrosive Substances
9
Miscellaneous
Some Examples in Each Class
1.1 Dynamite; Nitroglycerine
1.3 Rocket Propellant
1.4 Consumer Fireworks; Ammunition
2.1 Hydrogen
2.2 Oxygen
2.3 Poisonous Gas
3.1 Diethyl Ether
3.2 Gasoline; Acetone
3.3 Kerosene; Diesel
4.1 Magnesium
4.2 Aluminum
4.3 Sodium; Calcium; Potassium
5.1 Hydrogen Peroxide
5.2 Benzoyl Peroxide
6.1 Potassium Cyanide
6.2 Biohazardous Substances – virus
cultures, used intravenous needles
7.0 Plutonium; Uranium
8.1 Sulfuric Acid; Hydrochloric Acid
8.2 Sodium and Potassium Hydroxide
9.0 Airbag Inflators; Dry Ice; Asbestos
While other highway users may not know the specific contents indicated by the sign, drivers
need to recognize dangerous cargo and execute maneuvers with extra care and caution. Any
unexpected or unsafe actions by other vehicles may cause the truck driver to take sudden,
evasive actions to avoid a crash. Crashes with hazardous materials can endanger not only the
drivers on the highway but in some instances, escaping hazardous materials can affect people,
animals, and the environment in areas surrounding the crash, sometimes for years.
8
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Tanker Trucks
Slides 13 - 16
Tanker trucks transport a variety of materials. Some materials are corrosive chemicals like
sulfuric acid. Others are flammable liquids like gasoline. However, in some cases it may be
harmless liquids like milk. A HazMat placard will indicate dangerous cargo. Tanker cargo is
subject to leaks, spills, fires, and explosions. The liquid cargo load poses a special hazard for
the driver because the load is subject to sloshing and surging or rocking and rolling.
SITUATION
INFORMATION
When the center of gravity shifts to the outside of the tank, the liquid load
SLOSH
rocks from side to side inside the tank. If the liquid shifts or rocks past the
balance point and the pull of gravity prevails the truck will roll.
As a result of sudden braking, the liquid in the tank rolls from front-to-back
SURGE
and then back-to-front causing it to slam into the front and back of the tank
structure.
When the truck loses its balance point and the center of gravity shifts, the
truck will roll. If the vehicle’s body or load shifts past its center and the
ROLLOVER
weight of the load or truck shifts in the direction of the gravitational force, the
truck will go on to its side (rollover) and possibly the top, opposite side, and
back on to its wheels.
Partial liquid loads are more dangerous than full loads because there is more room for the liquid
to move. Liquid slosh and surge are caused by speed, turning radius, sudden braking or
acceleration, and by sudden maneuvers. Rollovers can happen anywhere but most happen on
straight roadways.
Some tanker trucks have what is known as a “baffle system” inside the tanker. The baffle
system divides the interior of the tank so that the liquid is contained in smaller sections or
compartments. While these sections can help with rollover prevention, sudden maneuvers or
hard braking may still cause the liquid to roll and cause the truck to overturn. One safety
recommendation given for tankers is to always drive with a full load.
9
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Slide 14: Video Clip – Rollover (51 sec.)
This clip contains rollover still pictures with voice over from drivers who drive tanker trucks and
have experienced a rollover.
Source: Tanker Truck Rollover Prevention, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration
Slide 15: Video Clip – Slosh and Surge (22 sec.)
Brief video clip that demonstrates what can happen when a liquid load sloshes inside the tanker
as well as what happens when a truck makes an abrupt stop and the liquid inside the tank rolls
from front to back.
Source: Tanker Truck Rollover Prevention, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration
10
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Blind Spots or No Zones
Slides 17 – 27
When facing straight ahead, blind spots are areas of the roadway that you cannot see when
looking in your side view and/or rearview mirrors. There are 4 large blind spots located around
big trucks. These are in the front, rear, left or driver’s side, and the right or passenger side of the
truck.
BLIND SPOTS
COMMENTS

FRONT



REAR



LEFT SIDE






RIGHT SIDE



May extend up to 20 feet in front of the truck and may hide a
vehicle from the truck driver’s view
Truckers are trained to leave a minimum 3-second space. Don’t
cut off the truck.
A truck’s driver cannot see you if you are up behind the truck.
The general rule is that you should be able to see the truck’s side
mirrors. This allows the driver to see you.
Trucks may slow or stop suddenly. Leave room to stop.
Trucks may straddle larger debris on the highway but following
too closely will not leave you time to avoid the object.
Do not “draft” behind a truck. You will be buffeted by the winds.
This is dangerous and exhausting.
Extends from the driver’s door to the middle of the trailer.
Move through steadily. Do not “hang out” on the side of a truck.
Watch the signal light on a truck when you are on its side. This
may warn you if the truck is moving in your direction and may
also indicate that the driver does not know that you are there.
Look for the driver’s face in the mirror. This is an indication that
the driver may be able to see you on the side of the vehicle.
This is the largest and most dangerous blind spot.
It extends the length of the right side of the truck and as much as
3 lanes over.
Move through steadily. Do not “hang out” on the side of a truck.
Watch the signal light on a truck when you are on its side. This
may warn you if the truck is moving in your direction and may
also indicate that the driver does not know that you are there.
Look for the driver’s face in the mirror. This is an indication that
the driver may be able to see you on the side of the vehicle.
11
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Sometimes when you look at the side mirrors on a large truck you will see several mirrors.
There are additional mirrors that may be added to a truck to extend the field of vision while
looking in those mirrors. However, don’t count on it. There are still blind spots and all of them
are dangerous.
Below is an example of 2 types of mirrors and the areas that may be seen when using them.
While these mirrors may help vision to the sides of the truck, they do not help with the field of
vision on the front or rear of the vehicle.
Slide 17: Video Clip – Blind Spots (2:07)
Slide 17: Video Clip – Blind Spots (2:07)
Video clip explains the 4 blind spots or No Zones around large trucks.
Source: Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
12
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Passing
Slides 28 – 34
Drivers should make every effort to pass a large truck on the left. Use caution when executing
any passing maneuver.
If you are behind the truck, always signal your intention to move out into the adjacent lane.
Make sure that the truck’s signal is not on. Also watch the truck for drifting. Check for traffic in
that lane by looking in your mirrors and doing a quick head check. Move steadily but at a speed
not to exceed the speed limit. Once you can see the truck’s front and its wheels in the side view
mirror, shift your signal to indicate you wish to return to the lane in front of the truck. Remember
that objects are closer than they appear in the side mirror. Do not move yet! Continue checking
both your side and rearview mirrors. Once you can see the front of the truck and its wheels in
your rearview mirror, head check. If the way is clear, move back into the lane in front of the
truck. Maintain your speed. Cancel your signal.
Slide 28: Video – Don’t Cut Off Trucks (1:34)
This video presents general information about not cutting off a truck and passing a large truck.
Source: Don’t Cut Off Trucks, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
13
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Merging
Slide 35 – 36
As a driver, sharing the road is a major responsibility. When a tractor trailer or other large
vehicle merges on or exits from the freeway, you should make every attempt to allow trucks the
needed space to merge. Drivers should not try to beat the truck or cut in front of it. Adjusting
speed and/or lane position to assist the trucks with these maneuvers is important to everyone’s
safety.
Some discourteous or irresponsible drivers will not cooperate with the large trucks and are
responsible for the truck going into a skid, causing the truck to jackknife, or to rollover.
SITUATION
INFORMATION

SKID




JACKKNIFE




ROLLOVER

When a tire stops rolling and then slides on the surface of the
road.
Skidding can result from a loss of traction, sudden jerking of the
steering wheel, braking too hard, oil on the road, and weather
conditions like ice and snow.
A skid can turn into a jackknife or rollover situation.
The trailer wheels start to skid causing the trailer to move faster
than the cab. The trailer comes around and contacts the tractor.
It is said that if the trailer comes around more than 45 degrees, a
jackknife is going to happen.
This usually happens on wet or icy roads but it can happen on a
dry roadway when the trailer is empty and driver must brake
suddenly and hard.
A jackknifing trailer may eventually rollover.
The result of the truck losing its balance point when the load or
trailer shifts past center.
The truck’s liquid load, the solid materials load or the truck
structure itself may shift causing the truck to lose its stability and
roll over to its side or perhaps top, opposite side, etc.
High winds, a truck’s wheels hitting a curb, sudden movement of
the steering wheel, sudden braking, taking a curve too fast,
weather conditions, road conditions, or having a load, liquid or
solid, shift are among the reasons for a rollover.
14
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Slide 36: Video – Merging (53 sec.)
Watch the orange truck going up the ramp on the left. The truck is merging from HOV lanes
onto I-95 North. As the truck comes over and down to the right side of the freeway, the large
truck is signaling. You see a dump truck in the right lane. The dump truck brakes in an effort to
adjust speed so that the large truck can merge. The large truck merges and then continues to
signal and move into the second and then the third lane. Just before the clip ends you see a car
passing in the left side blind spot of the large truck just before it merges into the third lane.
Source: CDH Truck Collection 2010
15
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Stopping Distance
Slides 37 - 40
The time it takes an 18-wheeler to stop is 40% greater than that of a car.
Stopping distance depends on the weight of the load, road conditions, vehicle length and
design, gravity, weather, and the condition of the truck’s tires and brakes but the greatest factor
in determining the stopping distance for a tractor trailer is the speed at which it is traveling.
Total stopping distance is made up of perception time, reaction time, and braking time.
TOTAL STOPPING DISTANCE
Perception Time
Seeing the situation
Reaction Time
Moving your foot to the brake
Braking Time
Pushing down on the brake until the vehicle
comes to a stop
Example of Total Stopping Distance
55 mph
Time
Distance
(in feet)
Perception
Reaction
Braking
TOTAL
3/4
second
3/4
second
2.5
seconds
4
seconds
60 feet
60 feet
192 feet
312 feet
Source: DMV 60 (July 1, 2010), © Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 2010
Frame of reference for students: 312 feet is longer than a football field (100 yards = 300 feet)
16
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Turning
Slides 41 - 50
As everyone knows, 18-wheelers are large vehicles. The turning radius for vehicles this large is
much greater than that of a car of a pick-up truck. Drivers need to be observant and watch for a
truck’s turn signal. Most truckers will signal and this is a warning to others what the truck is
going to do.
Trucks when making right or left turns will swing wide in the opposite direction of the turn before
actually making the turn. Drivers should not try to drive between the turning truck and the curb
because you will get “squeezed” to the curb or even hit by the truck. You should not attempt to
go between the truck and the center lane of the roadway when it is turning. You may be forced
into the oncoming lane creating a hazard for yourself and others.
Look around at traffic approaching an intersection or stopped at an intersection. As necessary
and as space allows, adjust your lane position to allow trucks to turn. Even though roadways
may be designed for a large truck to travel and turn, often times the turn space is not equal to
the truck’s turning radius or turning space. It can be quite close, and it is frightening to see a
vehicle that large coming that close to your car.
When stopped at an intersection, always stop behind the white stop lines. One reason these are
placed there is to provide the make the maximum turning space available for a large truck.
Slide 41: Video – Trucks Turning – Intro (24 sec.)
This video clip is an introduction on sharing the road with trucks making right and left turns.
Source: Turns, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
Slide 43: Video – Right Turns (25 sec.)
This video clip provides information on sharing the road with trucks making right-hand turns.
Source: Turns, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
Slide 46: Video – Left Turns (22 sec.)
This video clip provides information on sharing the road with trucks making left-hand turns.
Source: Turns, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
Slide 49: Video – Stop Lines (25 sec.)
This video clip provides information on how the stop line helps the drivers of large trucks have
space to make turns.
Source: Turns, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
17
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Steep Grades and Hills
Slide 51
The powerful engine in a truck may be the force behind it. However, gravity is another force to
slow down or speed up a vehicle.
If you are stopped behind a tractor trailer on an upgrade or uphill, don’t forget to allow
additional space should the truck roll backwards before its gears engage to go forward. Heavy
vehicles may roll back as much as 15 feet or more when the driver moves from the brake to the
accelerator. When going uphill on the open road, many trucks will slow because of gravity
and/or the load it is carrying so pay attention when following a truck. You don’t want to suddenly
find yourself upon the trailer’s rear bumper.
When tractor trailers begin a downgrade or downhill decent, again gravity plays a role. In this
case, tractor trailers will gain speed. Be cautious. You don’t want to see a close up and personal
picture of the truck’s front grill in your rearview mirror. If you see a truck gaining on you,
determine if the truck might pass you in another lane or if you need to make some adjustment.
Check to be sure you are maintaining the speed limit. If you are on a multi-lane highway,
remember if the lane is open, you can move to another lane and allow the truck to pass. Don’t
forget that on some multi-lane highways, trucks are prohibited from using the left lane. Check to
see that you have an out, a place to go in an emergency.
18
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
High Winds
Slide 52
Drivers should always be cautious when driving in any type of severe weather. High winds can
be dangerous. Drivers need to be aware of other vehicles around them especially large trucks,
buses, RVs, and trailers being towed. The larger the vehicle the more vulnerable it is to the
effects of the wind.
When driving in high winds …

Slow down

Grip the steering wheel firmly

Listen to the weather reports and determine if it’s really safe to drive

Keep a safe distance from all vehicles around you
Be ready to take corrective action from the effects of the wind on your vehicle and if other
vehicles are pushed or steer into your path of travel. Be especially careful when your vehicle is
out in unprotected areas and when crossing bridges. The wind can more easily get under your
car in these situations and cause you to lose control.
19
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Flat Bed Trucks
Slide 53
Flat bed trucks transport a variety of materials. These items might include but are not limited to
roof trusses, lumber, concrete pipes, steel beams, road equipment like caterpillars or bobcats,
machinery, pallets of bricks, and bulk orders for building materials like cement, concrete, and
masonry supplies.
The flat bed load is usually on open flat surface. The load is strapped or tied down
Do not tailgate or hang out on the sides
–
If a strap or tie comes loose or the load shifts, items may drop from the truck onto
the roadway.
•
Will you have time to react?
•
Will you have time to avoid a collision?
20
Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
Oversize Loads
Slide 54 - 55
A truck carrying a load too large for the road on which it is traveling is referred to as an oversize
load or a wide load. Depending on the locality, highway environment, and the load itself, special
permits and/or an escort vehicle/s may be required. Oversize loads may be a house that is
being moved, steel beams longer that the flat bed trailer, and even boats.
Several notes about an oversize load:
•
May travel slower than the posted speed
•
May cause traffic to back up and/or stop
•
May have an escort of one or more cars with/out flashing lights
What should you do?
•
Allow the oversize load truck plenty of space
•
Be patient
•
Take a break
•
Seek an alternate route
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Driving with Large Trucks
Teacher Notes – Slides and Supplemental Information
A Quick Review
Slide 56 - 57
These two slides may be used to review the material covered in the program.
10 True-False Questions:
T
F
1. The largest and most dangerous of the blind spots is found on the left side of
the truck.
T
F
2. You should consider all HazMat loads as dangerous.
T
F
3. The center of gravity can shift on any load and possibly cause a rollover.
T
F
4. When driving behind a truck, be sure you can see the truck’s mud flaps so
you know the driver can see you.
T
F
5. When passing a truck, before returning to the lane in front of the truck, be
sure you can see the entire front of the truck and its wheels in your side-view
mirror.
T
F
6. When a truck is merging onto or exiting from the highway, if needed, you
should try to try to make adjustments in speed and lane position to help the
truck move safely.
T
F
7. Trucks only swing wide in the opposite direction of the turn when making right
turns.
T
F
8. Gravity does not affect a large truck when it is stopped on an upgrade.
T
F
9. Because large trucks are so heavy, the drivers do not need to be concerned
about high winds.
T
F
10. The stopping distance for a fully loaded tractor trailer going 55 miles per hour
is a little longer than a football field.
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