What should a driver of a heavy vehicle do when traveling uphill and traffic becomes congested?

When a driver of a heavy vehicle is traveling uphill and encounters congestion, pulling off the road to let other vehicles pass is often the safest and most considerate action. Heavy vehicles usually have a reduced ability to accelerate and may struggle to maintain speed on inclines, which can lead to backup and frustration for drivers in smaller, faster vehicles. By pulling off the road safely, the driver allows other vehicles to pass, thus alleviating congestion and contributing to overall traffic flow.

This approach demonstrates consideration for other road users and helps maintain safety, as heavy vehicles can pose an obstacle in situations where quick maneuvering is needed. It’s also important to ensure that the shoulder or any designated pull-off areas are suitable for this purpose, thus minimizing the risk of accidents or blockages on the road.

Staying in the left lane or maintaining speed while ignoring other vehicles could exacerbate congestion, as heavy vehicles may impede the faster flow of traffic. Stopping to wait for traffic to clear can create a hazard both for the driver and other road users, as it may lead to unexpected stopping behavior on a hill, which can be dangerous.