How should you observe the road behind a tractor with a trailer while reversing?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
A. Through the rear windshield, and in the external mirrors, by observing the trajectory of the tractor and trailer.
Explanation
In the photo, a red tractor with a cab and large external mirrors is pulling a green trailer. When reversing with such a combination, you watch the road through the rear window and in the external mirrors, following the path of the tractor and the trailer - answer A.
When reversing, the trailer turns differently than when driving forwards and with a delay, and the combination easily "folds". Through the rear window you see the drawbar and the front of the trailer, that is how it is positioned in relation to the tractor, and in the mirrors - its sides and the space behind it and next to it, so you need both sources at the same time. At the same time, the front of the tractor swings in an arc and can catch a post or a gate, which is why you watch the path of both vehicles. Looking back without checking the front (answer B) risks hitting something with the front of the tractor. Looking at the steering wheel (answer C) shows neither the obstacles nor where the trailer is really going. The Road Traffic Act requires you to make sure when reversing that there is no obstacle behind the vehicle, and if you cannot do this yourself - to get help from another person.
Legal basis: Art. 23 para. 1 point 3 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)