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CDL · General

When making a right turn in a tractor-semitrailer, where is the greatest risk of the trailer striking a curb or object?

Correct answer

The rear of the trailer — which off-tracks inward and can strike the curb even when the tractor appears to have cleared it with sufficient margin

  1. A The front of the trailer
  2. B The rear of the trailer — which off-tracks inward and can strike the curb even when the tractor appears to have cleared it with sufficient margin
  3. C The middle of the trailer
  4. D The tractor's rear axle

Why this is the answer

Off-tracking causes the trailer's rear wheels to follow a shorter radius than the front wheels — they cut inside the path of the tractor. On a right turn, the rear of the trailer moves toward the right curb. Drivers must swing wide (begin the turn from a more leftward lane position) to allow the trailer's rear to complete the turn without striking the curb. Check right convex mirrors constantly during tight right turns.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Chapter 6, Combination Vehicles, Off-Tracking and Right Turns

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