A 3-minute lesson from the Alabama course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Backing, changing lanes and carrying loads cause many crashes. Each comes with specific rules about where you may do it, how to check that it's safe, and how far a load may stick out.
Backing safely:
Walk completely around the vehicle to be sure no person or obstacle is behind it
Look to the front, sides and rear, and keep looking over your right shoulder while backing
Don't depend on your mirror; back slowly with a minimum of movement
Backing out of a driveway: back into the nearest lane and never across other lanes
Backing is prohibited on controlled-access highways (freeways and expressways), except for emergency vehicles on duty. Other than into a parking place, backing on a public street is never advisable.
Before changing lanes, check clearance to the side, ahead and behind. Don't rely only on your mirror: glance over your shoulder at the blind spot. A signal doesn't give you the right to change lanes.
You're hauling lumber that sticks out 4½ feet past your tailgate at 7 p.m. after dark. It's within the 5-foot limit, but you need a red light on the end that's visible for at least 200 feet. In daylight, a red flag at least 12 inches square would do.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
How far may a load legally extend beyond the front or rear of a vehicle?
No more than 5 feet
No more than 2 feet
There is no limit
No more than 10 feet
Answer: No more than 5 feet
A load must not extend more than 5 feet beyond the front and rear of the vehicle.
