With more than 188 million cars and trucks registered in the United States, driving on highways and streets can test one's skill, concentration and patience. Here's a short quiz to help you test your knowledge of the rules of the road and getting along with each other.
Q. If you are traveling next to or behind a truck and cannot see the driver's reflection in the side mirror, the truck driver cannot see you.
A. True. Every vehicle has blind sports to its sides and rear - some large trucks even have a small blind spot directly in front of the engine. When driving behind a truck, stay back and position your vehicle slightly left or right within the lane so you have a clear view of the truck's mirrors.
Q. Tailgating greatly increases your chance of being involved in an accident.
A. True. Tailgating limits visibility of the road ahead and obstructs your view of traffic signals, exit signs and other road markings. A good rule to remember is the "two second rule." As the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed object on the side of the road, count 1001, 1002. If you pass the mark before you finish, you are following too closely. In bad weather, increase your following distance to four or five seconds as conditions warrant.
Q. When passing a truck, you should stay beside the truck to let the truck driver know you're there.
A. False. If you linger beside a truck, you may be in the driver's blind spot, and the driver may not know you're there. When passing a truck, be sure to signal your intention and move back in front of the truck only when you can see the truck's two headlights in your rearview mirror. Always consider the terrain with passing. On a level highway, it generally takes longer to pass a truck than a car. On an upgrade, a truck will often lose speed, making it easier to pass. On a downgrade, the truck's momentum will cause it to go faster, so you may need to increase you speed or wait to pass until you are on level ground.
Q. It's not safe to pass a truck pulling multiple trailers.
A. False. There is no need to refrain from passing combination vehicles. Motorists should treat these trucks as they would any other commercial vehicles, and follow the same rules for passing and sharing the road.
Q. The best way to merge onto the highway from an entrance ramp is to come to a complete stop.
A. False. When entering the flow of traffic, you should signal your intention, yield to traffic already on the highway and increase your speed as you move into the acceleration lane. Adjust your speed according to the posted speed limit, look for a gap in traffic and merge carefully.
If you are traveling on the highway and see other vehicles attempting to enter the flow of traffic, slow down or shift lanes to allow them to enter smoothly and safely. Trucks may need more time to adjust to traffic patterns; be cooperative and give them extra time and space.
Q. Slowing down in inclement weather can prevent accidents and reduce the effects of splash and spray.
A. True. Decreasing your speed and increasing your following distance in inclement weather will improve visibility and give your more time to react in an emergency. Truck manufacturers are continuously working to minimize splash and spray with aerodynamic design, but it can still be a problem for cars following closely.
Q. When driving in city traffic, pay special attention to a truck's turn signals.
A. True. Because of their size, large trucks must make wide turns, taking two or three lanes on tight city streets. For most right turns, truck drivers will swing left and leave an open space to the right of the trailer just before the turn. To avoid an accident, stay back, and never pass a truck on the right if there is a possibility that it might make a right turn.
Q. If a truck driver is attempting to back into an alley or a loading dock, you should stop and let the driver complete the maneuver.
A. True. Backing is the most difficult task to perform behind the wheel of any vehicle. If you see a truck driver attempting to back up, stop and allow the driver to complete the maneuver. You won't be delayed more than a few seconds, and your patience will be appreciated.