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CDL · Driving Tank Vehicles

Why are tankers especially prone to rollovers?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

They have a high center of gravity (especially when loaded with liquid that can shift), making them more likely to roll over in curves, ramps, and quick maneuvers — drivers must slow down well below posted speeds for curves

  1. A They have too many axles
  2. B They have a high center of gravity (especially when loaded with liquid that can shift), making them more likely to roll over in curves, ramps, and quick maneuvers — drivers must slow down well below posted speeds for curves
  3. C They are too heavy to roll
  4. D They have weak tires

Why this is the answer

Tanker rollover risk: Tankers have a HIGH CENTER OF GRAVITY because the liquid load sits high in the tank; combined with liquid surge (especially side-to-side), this makes tankers much more prone to ROLLOVER than other vehicles.

Contributing factors: High center of gravity; liquid movement shifting weight; partially filled tanks (more room for surge).

Safe driving: Slow down for curves and ramps — take them well BELOW the posted advisory speed (the posted speed is for cars, not high-center-of-gravity tankers); avoid quick lane changes and sudden steering; brake before curves, not in them; smooth, gradual maneuvers; ROLLOVERS are a leading cause of tanker accidents and fatalities; even experienced drivers roll tankers by taking ramps and curves too fast; the combination of high center of gravity plus surge means the rollover threshold is much lower than a car or even a standard trailer; when in doubt, slow down — by the time you feel the tank shifting, it may be too late to prevent a rollover.

Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Tankers, Rollover Prevention

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About this topic: Driving Tank Vehicles

Driving a tank vehicle means managing a high centre of gravity and a shifting load: slow for curves well below the posted speed, brake early and smoothly, and never make sudden steering changes. These questions cover the handling rules for liquid loads. This is one of 21 Tanker questions on driving tank vehicles, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our CDL exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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