Large truck turning left and a bicycle
Look at the picture, read the situation, and mark each of the three statements true (○) or false (✕). All three right scores 2 points.
The large truck ahead of you has its left turn signal on and has begun to turn left. A bicycle is riding between the truck and the curb and is in danger of being caught by the difference between the tracks of the truck's front and rear inner wheels. Answer true or false for each of the following.
- (1)You tuck in behind the truck and turn left together with it.
- (2)You stop until the truck has completed its left turn, and also make sure the bicycle is safe.
- (3)If you warn the truck with your horn, an accident with the bicycle can be prevented.
Show the answers and explanation
- (1) ✕ FalseYou tuck in behind the truck and turn left together with it.
- (2) ○ TrueYou stop until the truck has completed its left turn, and also make sure the bicycle is safe.
- (3) ✕ FalseIf you warn the truck with your horn, an accident with the bicycle can be prevented.
Explanation
The inner wheel difference of a large vehicle can be as much as 2 m, and catching a bicycle or pedestrian at the left rear during a left turn is a classic accident pattern (Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 7, 1(3)). As the vehicle behind, the rule is not to turn left along with the truck but to wait until it has completed its turn. The horn alone is not enough to prevent the accident.
Source: Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 7, 1(3) (inner wheel difference of large vehicles) / Road Traffic Act, Art. 34 (how to turn left)
