Following a Grain Truck in Rain Through a Work Zone
At 4:30 p.m. you are northbound on a two-lane rural highway posted 55 mph. It has been raining for 20 minutes; the pavement is wet but not flooded, and your wipers are on intermittent. Ahead, a loaded grain truck is traveling 45 mph. Its mud flaps are throwing spray, and you cannot see its taillights clearly. Two miles ahead, orange signs announce a work zone; the speed limit drops to 45 mph, then a flagger holds traffic. You are already late for an appointment and have been following about two seconds behind the truck. The road has a solid yellow centerline through the work zone. A line of three cars is behind you.
1. What following distance should you use now, and why?
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Two seconds is too close in any case; at 55 mph it is only about 160 feet. In rain, behind a truck throwing spray, use at least 4 seconds and preferably 5-6. Pick a fixed object and count. The truck blocks your view of potholes, brake lights, and the flagger, and your wet brakes need more distance. Back off before the work zone.
2. As you reach the work zone, what speed and lane actions are required?
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Slow to the posted 45 mph before the first orange sign, then to the flagger's direction-often a complete stop. The solid yellow centerline means no passing. Keep headlights on, increase gap, and watch the flagger and workers. Do not pass the truck in the work zone.
3. The truck brakes hard at the flagger. What do you do?
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Brake firmly and early, not late; keep the wheels straight and stay in your lane. Do not swerve into the oncoming lane or onto the gravel shoulder. If you cannot stop short, choose the shoulder only if it is firm and clear, and use hazard lights. The tailgaters behind are a reason to brake progressively so they see your lights.