I am 48. I am not really a new driver, I had a CDL since 2016, but I drive 99% during the daylight.
This winter season, I realized that if it is really dark, and I am making, say, a right turn, it is very hard to see what is going on with the back of the trailer. At this point I sort have an idea how to turn most corners, but still I am slightly uncomfortable with the lack of visibility.
How do people deal with this issue? Any brighter turn signals or something to light up the area better?
Backing up is even worse, but overall I do not back up much in the darkness so it is not as much of a priority, I drive rgn/flatbed/stepdeck.
Cornering at night?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ichudov, Nov 24, 2019.
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Lepton1, truckdriver31, FlaSwampRat and 1 other person Thank this.
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if you know how to make turns in daylight, you should be able to make them in the dark.you take them just as wide...??
as for backing up, i tried several things, like a flashlight on the ground, or on the loading dock platform. i just used my 4 ways, they were bright enough for me to see the docks.
once you make a right turn, in broad daylight or darkness of night, you are blinded by what's happening anyways...what do you do then.???WildTiger1990, LoneRanger, truckdriver31 and 4 others Thank this. -
there should be a marker light at the end of your trailer. Use that as reference when you're turning.
As for backing, if it's dark i use a bright flashlight to point backward (flatbed) probably can tie it to the dot bumper in a van.tscottme, TripleSix, truckdriver31 and 2 others Thank this. -
convex mirrors are handy
tscottme, snowwy, truckdriver31 and 2 others Thank this. -
Just swing it wide, it’s not like the curb is gonna jump out and get you at night.
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Convex mirrors and marker lights on the side of the trailer. If I have any doubts I just swing it as wide as I can.
buddyd157, tscottme, LoneRanger and 4 others Thank this. -
When in doubt, Whip it out.
Lepton1, FlaSwampRat, bryan21384 and 3 others Thank this. -
ichudov Thanks this.
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Swing it wider then normal.
I have a couple of intersections going to or leaving the plant where the truck is parked. They're not designed for semis. You really gotta watch your arse with the 4 wheelers though cuz they LOVE to drive right through your turn. They could care less about the amount of space needed to avoid the curb and fire hydrants.
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