Are semis supposed to drive the outside lane on cloverleaf ramps?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by expedite_it, Jun 24, 2024.

  1. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    The question is situational but 9 of 10 times I'm going right lane
     
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  3. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    First of all, to answer your question, if the road curves sharply to the right, then I can see the trailer tandems better on the right side of the trailer. Indeed, if the road curves sharply enough to the right (like it does on a cloverleaf), I won't be able to see the trailer tandems on the driver side of the trailer at all as I go through the curve.

    If the lane curves to the left, then I can see the trailer better on the driver side than the passenger side. But all that was not my point

    My point in post #17 is that on a cloverleaf, I have the same view of the rear of my trailer on the passenger side in both the outside lane and the inside lane. The trailer off tracks approximately the same amount in either lane.
     
  4. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    First you say that the outside lane makes it easier to monitor traffic and trailer track, and then you say that 9 out of 10 times you're going in the right lane (which is the inside lane). LOL
     
  5. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    Cloverleaf can be left or right...
    You do you if you already know the answer.

    My preference on any direction of a cloverleaf is I want traffic on my left.
     
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  6. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    Whoever heard of a cloverleaf that curves to the left?

    I don't know what this means.

    Me too. That's why I plan on driving on the inside lane of cloverleafs from now on. But I still don't understand why you think it is easier to monitor trailer off-tracking from the outside lane.
     
  7. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    As you further your career you will find many unconventional situations.
    That's where your experience and situational awareness comes in...
    Get the big picture.
    There are many left cloverleaf, flyover ramps, bridges and multi lane exits.


    As a 12 year driver why are you asking?
    Sounds to me like you want an opinion different than your own to refute.
    It means your trainer was correct and you won't find every answer in a state manual or a truckers forum.




    If you can't comprehend what I've tried to convey I'm sorry for that but I'm done here.
     
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  8. homeskillet

    homeskillet Road Train Member

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    THAT'S a sign I'd like to see federally mandated.....
     
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  9. PureLeafTea

    PureLeafTea Light Load Member

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    This is a big depends on where I am at. Example Atlanta. I know what lane ends so I don’t get in that one. I don’t care what any law says. Big rule nobody follows is two left turn lanes. Be in the right with a trailer, but I see lots of day cabers in the left. Guess being home every night isn’t enough for them.
     
  10. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    What if a clover leaf ramp has only one lane, concrete walls on either side and no shoulder? Texas has many of these and half of them curve left.
     
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