Practice question

What should drivers do to reduce the risk of trailer sway?

  1. Drive faster to stabilize the vehicle
  2. Ensure proper loading and weight distribution
  3. Turn sharply to redirect the trailer
  4. Ignore any signs of sway and continue driving

Answer: B — Ensure proper loading and weight distribution

Ensuring proper loading and weight distribution is crucial for minimizing the risk of trailer sway. When a trailer is loaded unevenly or improperly, it can create imbalances that may lead to swaying while in motion. Proper weight distribution distributes the center of gravity of the combined vehicle more evenly across both the towing vehicle and the trailer. This stability is key to maintaining control, especially in adverse driving conditions or when encountering wind. For example, loading heavier items lower in the trailer and distributing weight evenly from front to back can significantly help. Additionally, making sure that the trailer is not overloaded and that the load is secured adequately helps in achieving the best balance for safe towing. This practice not only helps in preventing sway but also enhances overall handling and control of the vehicle combination on the road.

Practice more: CDL Vehicle Combination Practice Test →