A fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 55 mph could take up to __ to come to a complete stop.
50 feet
125 feet
400 feet
750 feet
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is 400 feet.
A fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 55 mph can take up to 400 feet to come to a complete stop. This distance can vary depending on several factors, including road conditions, the weight of the load, the condition of the brakes, and whether the driver is applying maximum braking force.
Explanation:
When a vehicle, especially a large truck or tractor-trailer, is traveling at high speeds, it requires a significant amount of distance to stop. This is due to the vehicle’s mass, speed, and inertia, which are all factors that affect stopping distance. The larger the vehicle and the faster it’s moving, the longer it will take to come to a stop.
For a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing about 80,000 pounds (the maximum weight allowed on U.S. highways), at a speed of 55 mph, the stopping distance can reach up to 400 feet. This distance includes several components:
- Perception Distance: The time it takes for the driver to perceive a hazard and react.
- Reaction Distance: The time it takes for the driver to react and apply the brakes after perceiving a hazard.
- Braking Distance: The actual distance the vehicle travels after the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop.
For passenger vehicles, stopping distances are generally shorter due to their lighter weight and smaller size. For instance, a passenger car might take around 200 feet to stop at 55 mph. However, because of the greater weight and momentum of a tractor-trailer, the stopping distance increases dramatically.
Other variables that affect stopping distance include:
- Road conditions: Wet, icy, or gravel roads can increase stopping distance.
- Brake condition: Worn-out brakes can increase the time it takes to stop.
- Tire conditions: Bald or improperly inflated tires can also increase stopping distance.
In real-world conditions, this information emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe following distance, especially when driving around large trucks.