With any turning vehicle, the rear wheels follow a _________ than the front wheels.

When a vehicle makes a turn, the dynamics of turning mean that the rear wheels take a different trajectory than the front wheels. Specifically, the rear wheels follow a shorter path compared to the front wheels. This occurs because the front wheels pivot around the turn, while the rear wheels, which are not pivoting, rotate around the turning path.

Understanding this concept is critical when maneuvering vehicles, particularly larger ones or those with longer wheelbases, as it informs the driver about the space required to complete a turn safely without hitting obstacles. This is especially relevant in situations like tight corners or when navigating through intersections. The notion of rear wheels following a shorter path emphasizes the importance of being aware of the entire vehicle's movement, enabling drivers to make better decisions while turning.