Truck Maneuvering and Handling
- 1/34If you are maneuvering a large truck in tight spaces
Trucks have extended rear overhangs that swing outward; careful planning prevents hitting pedestrians, poles, or other vehicles.
At intersections with narrow turns
Trucks need extra space to clear curbs and obstacles, requiring a wider turn path than smaller vehicles.
When making a right turn with a long truck
Large blind spots make vulnerable road users hard to see; constant checks prevent collisions.
If you are unsure about space in a turn
Unsure about space or clearance, stopping to evaluate prevents accidents during turns.
When backing a large truck
A spotter helps guide the driver through tight spaces or blind areas, reducing the risk of hitting objects.
If no spotter is available while reversing
Checking the area on foot identifies obstacles or hazards not visible in mirrors before reversing.
When reversing into a dock or tight area
Frequent mirror use and slow speeds during reversing allow better control and reaction time.
If backing at night or in poor visibility
Alerting others while maneuvering warns pedestrians and drivers to stay clear of the truck.
At loading zones or construction sites
These maneuvers carry higher accident risks; extra caution reduces potential damage and injury.
When adjusting side mirrors for driving
Clear sightlines on both sides help the driver track trailer movement and avoid side collisions.
If blind spots are large and unavoidable
Regular mirror checks and early signaling communicate intentions and help maintain awareness of surroundings.
When changing lanes with a long truck
Early signals give others time to react, and double mirror checks confirm safe gaps for turning.
If a car is tailgating your truck
More space in front allows smoother braking, preventing rear-end collisions and cargo shift.
When merging onto a highway
Gradual speed adjustments and mirror use help maintain safe spacing in heavy traffic.
At a tight delivery entrance
Oversteering past the entry ensures the trailer clears the curb and obstacles while turning.
If another vehicle is in your blind spot
Waiting until blind spots are fully clear prevents side-swipes and collisions with unseen vehicles.
When using convex mirrors
Mirror reflections can distort distances; drivers must judge carefully to avoid miscalculating gaps.
When driving through a roundabout
The outer lane provides more room for turning and reduces the risk of trailer off-tracking.
If approaching a sharp curve
Reducing speed stabilizes the trailer, preventing swaying or tipping during the turn.
When using brakes while turning
Gentle braking maintains tire grip, preventing skids especially on wet or slippery surfaces.
At loading docks with limited visibility
In confined areas, combining slow movement with a spotter guidance minimizes collision risks.
When pulling away from a stop
Ensuring all blind spots are clear avoids hitting vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians hidden from view.
If turning in an urban area
Wide, steady turns prevent trailer wheels from mounting curbs or striking objects.
If you lose visual contact with a trailer side
Adjusting mirrors and repositioning helps improve visibility and allows safer maneuvering in tight spaces.
When navigating roundabouts or tight junctions
Stopping when space is insufficient prevents accidents and respects the right of way of other vehicles.
At highway exits with short curves
Slowing down prevents the trailer from cutting inside the turn path and striking curbs or pedestrians.
If youre reversing a trailer for delivery
Small counter-steering corrections are sometimes necessary to control the trailer path when reversing.
When other vehicles are near during a turn
Wide spacing and smooth steering keep the truck stable and prevent rollovers or collisions.
At fuel stations or toll booths
Wide arcs and slow speeds provide enough room for the trailer to follow without hitting obstacles.
When making a U-turn in a heavy vehicle
Tight turns in restricted spaces should only be attempted where legally permitted and physically safe.
If reversing into traffic or across lanes
Space is too tight, using a guide or avoiding the maneuver prevents damage and accidents.
When exiting a driveway onto a busy road
Moving gradually while checking mirrors helps spot approaching traffic before fully committing.
If you suspect a vehicle is hiding in the right blind spot
Double-checking mirrors ensures no vehicles or pedestrians have entered the truck blind spot.
When in doubt during maneuvering
The maneuver becomes unsafe, stopping and reevaluating prevents risky decisions and potential crashes.