A 3-minute lesson from the Idaho course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Trucks and buses can't maneuver like cars. The bigger they are, the bigger their blind spots, the more room they need to turn or change lanes, and the longer it takes them to stop and to be passed.
Large-vehicle blind spots (No-Zones)
Know the rule
Stay out of blind spots, which are behind and on each side. If you can't see the driver's mirrors, the driver can't see you. Don't drive alongside large vehicles for long.
On long, steep grades, large vehicles go slowly and use the right lane on four-lane roads. Never park in or near escape (runaway) ramps; they're only for vehicles whose brakes have failed.
A specially marked vehicle with amber lights that escorts an oversized load, warning traffic and guiding the load past bridges, curves, and other hazards.
Meeting an oncoming pilot vehicle: slow down and move as far right as possible. Following one: increase your following distance. Be very cautious passing a pilot vehicle or the load.
A semi ahead signals right and swings into the left lane. Don't slip into the gap on its right: it needs that space to make the turn without hitting the curb. Stay back until it completes the turn.
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.
A loaded truck traveling 55 mph on dry pavement with properly adjusted brakes needs about how many feet to stop?
700 feet
150 feet
450 feet
250 feet
Answer: 450 feet
The handbook cites 450 feet as the stopping distance for a loaded truck at 55 mph.
