Practice question

How can one reduce the risk of a rollover in a commercial vehicle?

  1. By driving at high speeds on curves
  2. By keeping the center of gravity low and avoiding abrupt steering movements
  3. By loading cargo in the rear only
  4. By maintaining a high weight load at all times

Answer: B — By keeping the center of gravity low and avoiding abrupt steering movements

To reduce the risk of a rollover in a commercial vehicle, keeping the center of gravity low and avoiding abrupt steering movements is essential. A lower center of gravity contributes to the vehicle's stability, making it less likely to tip over during maneuvers, especially when turning or changing lanes. Abrupt steering movements can shift the weight distribution within the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of a rollover. Smooth and gradual steering, alongside proper loading techniques that maintain a low center of gravity, helps enhance overall vehicle stability and safety. In contrast, high speeds on curves increase the chances of losing control and tipping. Loading cargo only in the rear can create an unbalanced weight distribution, which is detrimental to stability. Similarly, maintaining a consistently high weight load does not necessarily reduce the risk of rollovers and can often lead to other handling issues, such as difficulty in steering and braking.

Practice more: New Hampshire Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Practice Test →