What should a driver do if a trailer begins to sway while driving?

What should a driver do if a trailer begins to sway while driving?

• A. Accelerate quickly to regain control
• B. Slow down gently and maintain a straight path
• C. Turn sharply to correct the sway
• D. Release the brakes suddenly

Answer: (B)

When a trailer begins to sway while driving, the recommended action is to slow down gently and maintain a straight path. This response is crucial because sudden changes in speed or direction can exacerbate the swaying motion, making the situation much worse. Slowing down allows the driver to regain control over the vehicle's dynamics without introducing additional instability. By maintaining a straight path, the driver ensures that they are not creating additional forces that could increase the sway. A gradual reduction in speed enables the trailer to settle back into a straighter alignment with the towing vehicle, thereby mitigating the sway. Other actions, such as accelerating quickly, turning sharply, or suddenly releasing the brakes, could prompt more drastic movements that would likely lead to a loss of control. Therefore, controlled deceleration and maintaining a straight trajectory are key to enhancing safety during a sway incident.

When a trailer begins to sway while driving, the recommended action is to slow down gently and maintain a straight path. This response is crucial because sudden changes in speed or direction can exacerbate the swaying motion, making the situation much worse.

Slowing down allows the driver to regain control over the vehicle's dynamics without introducing additional instability. By maintaining a straight path, the driver ensures that they are not creating additional forces that could increase the sway. A gradual reduction in speed enables the trailer to settle back into a straighter alignment with the towing vehicle, thereby mitigating the sway.

Other actions, such as accelerating quickly, turning sharply, or suddenly releasing the brakes, could prompt more drastic movements that would likely lead to a loss of control. Therefore, controlled deceleration and maintaining a straight trajectory are key to enhancing safety during a sway incident.