Making Tight Right Turns in a Truck

Safe Truck Turns: A Must-Know Lesson for Drivers

Truck accidents during right turns happen more often than we’d like, but the good news is that many of them can be avoided. The main issue usually comes up when truck drivers turn too sharply to the left to avoid hitting the curb with their trailer wheels on the right side. This can lead to accidents with nearby cars or cause problems when drivers try to pass on the right. In this blog post, Let’s look into why these accidents happen and explore a solution that can make a big difference in keeping our roads safe.

The Problem

The trouble begins when truck drivers need to make a right turn while pulling a trailer. Trying to avoid hitting the curb with the right-side trailer wheels often leads to problems. Trucks tend to swing too far to the left, either bumping into nearby vehicles or creating a risky situation when other drivers try to pass on the right during the turn.

Solving the Issue

The good news is that there’s a way to fix this problem, and it comes in the form of an easy-to-follow tutorial. We will tell you the right way to make a right turn in a truck when towing a trailer. By following these steps, truck drivers can lower the chances of accidents and make our roads safer for everyone.

Plan ahead and anticipate your right turn well in advance. Allow yourself a minimum of 100 feet before reaching the intersection to:

• Position the truck and trailer in the right lane
• Activate the right turn signal early to notify other drivers of your intention; keep the signal on until the turn is fully executed
• Check side and rear mirrors for traffic
• Proceed at a slow pace
• As you approach the intersection, maintain the trailer in the right lane to prevent cars from passing on the right. Slightly shift to the left to initiate the right turn
• Avoid swinging wide left and crossing over dividers. If crossing into the oncoming lane is necessary, wait for any vehicles to pass
• Never reverse to complete the turn

Putting Knowledge into Action

While reading these tips can be helpful, there’s nothing like getting hands-on experience. For those thinking about getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and becoming skilled truck drivers, enrolling in a truck driving school is a smart move. These schools teach practical skills that go beyond just book knowledge. Students not only learn how to pass the CDL driving exam but also gain real-life insights into safe driving practices.

Benefits of training at Elite Truck School

Choosing Elite Truck School has many advantages. Students get hands-on training, where they can apply what they’ve learned to real-life situations. We cover different aspects of truck driving, making sure drivers are ready for whatever challenges they might face on the road.

Job Placement Help

A big bonus of attending Elite Truck School is the job placement support we offer to graduates. This means that once you finish your training, you’ll always have a chance to find a job as a truck driver, setting you up for a successful and responsible career.

To learn more about what Elite Truck School has to offer, call us today at 503-615-8465!