Which statement about downhill control and wind effects is supported by the material?

Which statement about downhill control and wind effects is supported by the material?

• A. A set of empty doubles is most affected by strong winds.
• B. A loaded single trailer is most affected by strong winds.
• C. A passenger car is most affected by strong winds.
• D. A forklift is most affected by strong winds.

Answer: (A)

Wind has a bigger effect when the vehicle is light and has a lot of exposed surface area. On downhill grades, gravity already pushes speed up, so any gusts or crosswinds can push a lighter rig off course more easily. An empty set of doubles carries two trailers but little weight, so it has less inertia to resist gusts and more surface area for the wind to catch. That combination leads to more sway and greater difficulty maintaining control, which is why that statement is supported. A loaded single trailer, being heavier, resists wind gusts better; a passenger car and a forklift operate in different contexts and aren’t the focus of highway downhill wind effects, so they don’t fit as well.