You are driving a passenger car at 55 mph behind a large tractor-trailer on a single-lane roadway. Which of the following best explains why you should maintain a following distance of at least four to five seconds instead of the standard three seconds?
- It provides a clear view around the truck to see traffic hazards ahead and keeps your car out of the truck driver's rear blind spot.Answer
- BLarge commercial trucks can come to a complete stop much faster than passenger cars due to their larger tires and multi-wheel air brakes.
- CFollowing closely behind a large truck creates a vacuum draft that pulls your vehicle forward and increases fuel consumption.
- DTraffic regulations require passenger vehicles to maintain a fixed ten-second gap whenever driving behind any vehicle on rural roads.
Answer
Maintaining an increased following distance behind a large truck provides a clearer view of the road ahead and keeps your vehicle outside of the truck's rear blind spot.
The correct answer highlights the dual safety benefits of dropping back behind large commercial vehicles: opening up your forward line of sight so you can anticipate traffic flow or hazards ahead, and staying out of the truck's extensive rear No-Zone where the truck driver cannot see you in their side mirrors.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Following Distance and Visibility Behind Large Vehicles