When driving a big truck onto a right turn, what should the driver do?

• A. Aim to keep the vehicle aligned in the center of the lane
• B. Use his or her mirrors to monitor the path of the rear wheels
• C. Keep the front of the vehicle closer the the center of the road
• D. Keep the front of the vehicle closer to the right side of the road

Answer: (C)

When a heavy vehicle makes a right turn, the front of the truck and the trailer don’t follow the same path—the trailer needs more room to swing out. If you stay too close to the right edge, the trailer can cut the corner and hit the curb. Keeping the front of the vehicle toward the center of the road gives the trailer the clearance it needs to follow its wider path through the turn and stay in the lane. This positioning reduces the risk of the rear end contact with the curb while you complete the turn. Monitoring with mirrors is important, but the crucial action is where you place the front end as you begin the turn.