Question 8148
Outside a built-up area, a motorhome is about to pass a heavy vehicle. Can a hazardous situation arise while they are traveling side by side if a strong crosswind is blowing from the right?
- No, if both vehicles have the same size and weight.
- Yes, because both vehicles would be pushed abruptly to the left.
- Yes, the shielding effect may occur and cause it to move suddenly closer to the heavy vehicle.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Yes, the shielding effect may occur and cause it to move suddenly closer to the heavy vehicle.
Yes. With strong wind from the right, the motorhome's driver keeps the steering wheel turned slightly to that side. When it pulls alongside, the heavy vehicle blocks the wind, and because the driver is still correcting for it, the motorhome suddenly moves toward the heavy vehicle. It does not matter if they are the same size, and the push to the left comes afterward, once the motorhome passes it. While they are side by side, the driver must stop correcting for the wind and slow down. In the image, the wind is blowing dust up along the right side of the road.