Bicycles, motorcycles and big trucks

Key points

1. According to NHTSA, 783 bicyclists were killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2017.

   Source: Handbook p. 80

   “According to NHTSA there were 783 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2017 in the United States.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 80

2. A three foot distance must be kept between your car and a bicyclist you pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 80

   “A three-foot distance must be present between the passing automobile and slower traveling bicyclists.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 80

3. Truck windblasts can move a bicyclist out of their path on open highways and bridges.

   Source: Handbook p. 81

   “Trucks creating windblasts can move a bicyclist out of his path of travel on long open highways and bridges.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 81

4. Children under 12 on bicycles must wear an approved helmet.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “Children under the age of twelve must wear approved helmets when operating a bicycle or riding as a passenger.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 97

5. Over two thirds of car and motorcycle collisions happen when a driver turns in front of the motorcyclist.

   Source: Handbook p. 81

   “Research shows that over two-thirds of the car/motorcycle collisions are the results of the other driver turning in front of a motorcyclist.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 81

6. Motorcycles are allowed the full width of a lane. Do not share a lane with one.

   Source: Handbook p. 82

   “Motorcycles are allowed the full width of a lane in which to maneuver. Refrain from sharing a lane with a motorcycle.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 82

7. Allow at least a 4 second following distance behind a motorcycle.

   Source: Handbook p. 82

   “When driving behind a motorcycle, allow at least a four (4)-second following distance.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 82

8. A loaded tractor trailer at 55 mph needs at least 290 feet to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 83

   “traveling at 55 miles per hour on a clear, dry roadway requires a minimum of 290 feet to come to a complete stop.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 83

9. If you cannot see a truck driver's face in the mirror, the driver cannot see you.

   Source: Handbook p. 83

   “If you cannot see a truck driver's face in one of his mirrors, the driver cannot see you and probably does not know you are there.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 83

10. Leave at least 4 to 5 seconds behind a truck in good conditions.

    Source: Handbook p. 84

    “In good road and weather conditions you should leave a gap of at least four to five (4-5) seconds between your vehicle and the truck in front of you”
    Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 84

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Louisiana practice test

1. 1. What hazard can a truck's windblast create for a bicyclist on an open highway or bridge?

   1. Windblasts can move a bicyclist out of the path of travel
   2. Windblasts eliminate the need to leave space when passing a bicycle
   3. Windblasts make a bridge's lane markings change direction
   4. Windblasts require the truck to stop before crossing a bridge
   Show answer

   Windblasts can move a bicyclist out of the path of travel. Air pushed by a passing truck can move a bicyclist out of the bicyclist's path on a long open highway or bridge. That sudden lateral movement is why a driver should avoid crowding the bicycle, keep a safe buffer, and be prepared for the rider to drift. Wind does not remove the need for passing space, change lane markings, or require the truck to stop at a bridge. Watch the bicycle as well as the truck, reduce speed when needed, and allow the rider room to recover from the gust.

2. 2. What minimum stopping distance does the Louisiana guide give for a loaded tractor trailer at 55 mph?

   1. 100 feet
   2. 290 feet on a clear, dry road with good tires and brakes
   3. 1,000 feet
   4. 50 feet
   Show answer

   290 feet on a clear, dry road with good tires and brakes. A tractor trailer loaded with freight, with safe rated tires and properly adjusted brakes, traveling at 55 mph on a clear dry roadway requires a minimum of 290 feet to come to a complete stop, and in crashes between large trucks and cars the car occupants sustain 78 percent of the fatalities. Stay out of the no zone, pass on the left, and leave room before cutting back in.

3. 3. How many bicyclists were killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2017, according to NHTSA figures in the Louisiana guide?

   1. 783, out of about 90 million cyclists
   2. About 10,000
   3. About 50
   4. About 5
   Show answer

   783, out of about 90 million cyclists. There are currently 90 million cyclists in the United States, and according to NHTSA 783 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2017. Louisiana law requires giving bicyclists the entire lane when they are passing parked cars and at least three feet when overtaking. Check for riders before turning right and before opening a door, and never honk to hurry a cyclist.

Source: the Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Chapter 5: Safe Driving Habits. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.