A fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 55 mph could take up to __ to come to a complete stop.
Answers
50 feet
125 feet
400 feet
750 feet
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is 400 feet.
Explanation:
A fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 55 mph could take up to 400 feet to come to a complete stop, depending on various factors such as road conditions, truck weight, weather, and the effectiveness of the braking system.
To understand why this is the case, consider the following:
- Stopping Distance Components: The stopping distance of a vehicle is made up of two main components: thinking distance and braking distance.
- Thinking Distance is the distance the vehicle travels during the time it takes for the driver to perceive a hazard and react. This is typically calculated by multiplying the driver’s reaction time (about 1.5 seconds on average) by the speed of the vehicle.
- Braking Distance is the distance it takes for the vehicle to come to a full stop once the brakes are applied.
- Increased Weight and Momentum: A fully loaded tractor-trailer weighs significantly more than a typical passenger vehicle, which means it has more momentum and requires more force to stop. The greater the weight, the more energy is needed to bring the vehicle to a halt, thus increasing the braking distance.
- Braking Efficiency: Tractor-trailers are equipped with air brake systems, which, while effective, require more time to respond compared to hydraulic brake systems found in passenger vehicles. The larger tires and the extended length of the truck also contribute to a longer stopping distance.
- Speed and Stopping Distance: Speed plays a critical role in stopping distance. The faster the vehicle is traveling, the longer it will take to stop. At 55 mph, a typical passenger car might take around 200 feet to stop, but a fully loaded tractor-trailer can take significantly longer—up to 400 feet or more.
Therefore, under ideal conditions, it could take a fully loaded tractor-trailer up to 400 feet to come to a complete stop when traveling at 55 mph.