Question 883 in the bank

How would a strong side-wind affect the movement of the tall truck?

View through a windshield: a tall dark truck on the road ahead, a red-and-white striped windsock on a pole at left, green trees at right.
  1. Correct answer: The wind pushes to divert the truck, and the truck driver would be forced to slow down and overcome the lateral force that pushes him to the side.
  2. It would have no effect. A commercial vehicle carrying a heavy load is not affected at all by side winds.
  3. Side winds do not affect heavy vehicles.
  4. It would have no effect. The truck, without cargo, is not affected by the force of side winds.

Why this is the answer

The correct answer in the official bank: The wind pushes to divert the truck, and the truck driver would be forced to slow down and overcome the lateral force that pushes him to the side.

A tall truck has a large, flat side surface, so a strong side wind pushes on it and tries to divert it out of its lane or even tip it over. A heavy load does not cancel this effect, and an empty truck is even more sensitive. The driver must slow down, grip the wheel firmly and steer against the lateral force, especially on bridges and open stretches.

Topic: Safety. The bank marks it for these classes: Light truck (C1), Heavy truck (C), Bus (D).