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Question

Difficulty: MediumSpeed and Road Conditions

An unloaded commercial motor vehicle requires a longer stopping distance on slippery road surfaces than a fully loaded vehicle due to reduced tire traction.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True — An unloaded commercial motor vehicle has less traction and requires a greater distance to stop on slippery surfaces than a loaded vehicle.
The statement is true because commercial vehicle braking systems are engineered for loaded weights. When empty, the lack of downward axle load decreases tire grip, causing the brakes to lock the wheels more readily and significantly increasing stopping distances on slippery surfaces.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the relationship between vehicle weight and tire traction on low-friction pavement.
Cargo weight provides downward force on the drive and trailer axles, which increases frictional contact between tire tread and the road surface.
Traction on slippery surfaces is heavily influenced by normal force pressing the tires into contact with the pavement.
2
Analyze braking behavior in an empty commercial vehicle compared to a loaded one.
Lighter, empty vehicles suffer from wheel bounce and premature wheel lockup during brake application, reducing effective stopping friction.
Without sufficient weight, the braking system easily overcomes available tire traction, causing skids and extending stopping distance.

Key Concept

Traction and braking dynamics of empty versus loaded commercial motor vehicles on slippery roads.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Speed and Road Conditions

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