How to Cope With Slow-Moving Vehicles

By eHow Cars Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Some vehicles, such as tractors, street sweepers, and horse-drawn carts, cannot keep up with traffic - keep your eye out for them.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Look for slow-moving vehicles and adjust your speed accordingly.

Step2

Keep an eye out for big rigs and small, old-fashioned cars, which often have less power on steep grades.

Step3

Be wary of oversized trucks and older vehicles when you're entering traffic; these vehicles tend to take longer to reach the speed limit so you don't want to run into the back of them in your haste to merge.

Step4

Slow down or stop for livestock on roadways. It is illegal to stampede or frighten them.

Tips & Warnings

Carriages and equestrians have the legal right to share the road with you.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 7/3/2006 If the traffic behind you wants to pass, let them do so by checking the road ahead ,and if clear, move slightly to the right and signal to let them pass. This is an especially good idea with motorcycles coming up behind you.

Anonymous said

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on 3/29/2006 Generally, most cyclists are responsible. They try to ride in a manner to allow cars to pass them without too much trouble. Typically a cyclist will ride on the right-most side of the street (but within the lane, not the shoulder, where debris accumulates); if one is migrating to the left, it is likely that they are setting up for a turn and will need some extra space.

Be aware of road conditions and how they may affect a cyclist. For example; railroad tracks will cause a cyclist to adjust his or her path to intersect them safely, and debris will require them to weave around any major obstacles. Also, traveling uphill can be difficult for a cyclist and may severely reduce their speed.

Last thing -- if you find yourself frustrated by a cyclist slowing you down, find some time to ride a bike along a street for an afternoon. Getting out and actually experiencing how difficult it can be to ride in traffic can really change your perspective.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you come up on a tractor out in the country and you're the only one behind them, be nice and put your hazard/4way flashers on.

They also have the right to share the road with you.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Those signs are not there for decoration. Most drivers' education courses do not teach basic courtesy. Keep to your right except to pass.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Bicycles and pedestrians are also legally allowed to share the road with you, except for interstate and other controlled-access highways. Horses, bicycles, pedestrians, etc., can't go that fast.

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