Which statements about blind-side jackknife backing are true?

Which statements about blind-side jackknife backing are true?

• A. It should never be done without the assistance of a spotter.
• B. It is best to stop every few feet to check your clearance.
• C. Ending up with a greater than 90-degree angle is preferred.
• D. Both A and B.

Answer: (D)

When backing a tractor-trailer on the blind side, you rely on guidance from another person and frequent checks of your surroundings because you can’t see everything from the cab. A spotter is essential to steer you clear of overhead obstacles, curbs, and pedestrians, and to provide precise directions as you back up. Stopping every few feet to verify clearance helps you catch any close calls early, assess distances, and adjust your trajectory gradually instead of making sudden, risky moves. The idea of ending up with a greater than 90-degree angle is not a safe goal; a wide angle increases the chance of a jackknife and loss of control. So the true statements are that you should use a spotter and check clearance frequently, while aiming for a large angle is not advisable.

When backing a tractor-trailer on the blind side, you rely on guidance from another person and frequent checks of your surroundings because you can’t see everything from the cab. A spotter is essential to steer you clear of overhead obstacles, curbs, and pedestrians, and to provide precise directions as you back up. Stopping every few feet to verify clearance helps you catch any close calls early, assess distances, and adjust your trajectory gradually instead of making sudden, risky moves.

The idea of ending up with a greater than 90-degree angle is not a safe goal; a wide angle increases the chance of a jackknife and loss of control. So the true statements are that you should use a spotter and check clearance frequently, while aiming for a large angle is not advisable.