Following closely behind a large truck is:
Answers
A good idea because you can draft off of the truck.
A good idea because other vehicles will get out of the way of a large truck.
A good idea because other motorists will be able to see you.
A bad idea because you might be in the truck’s “no zone,” an area where the truck driver cannot see you.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
A bad idea because you might be in the truck’s “no zone,” an area where the truck driver cannot see you.
Explanation:
Following closely behind a large truck is dangerous for several reasons. One of the primary concerns is the truck’s “no zone,” which refers to areas around the truck where the driver has limited or no visibility. These areas include directly in front of the truck, directly behind it, and along its sides. Truck drivers rely on mirrors and cameras to monitor the road, but they have significant blind spots, especially when it comes to vehicles traveling too close behind them. If you’re tailgating a large truck, you’re likely in one of these blind spots, meaning the truck driver may not see you if they need to make a sudden maneuver or if you need to react quickly to a change in traffic conditions.
Moreover, being too close behind a truck also impairs your own ability to see the road ahead. Trucks are large and can block your view of the road, traffic signs, or potential hazards, leaving you with less time to react. If the truck suddenly brakes or encounters an obstacle, you may not have enough stopping distance to avoid a collision.
Additionally, trucks often require much more time to stop than smaller vehicles, so following too closely reduces your own ability to react safely in case of an emergency. It’s always recommended to keep a safe distance from large trucks — typically a minimum of 4 seconds — to ensure both you and the truck driver have enough space to navigate safely.
While drafting off of a truck (the idea of reducing air resistance by following very closely) might seem like it would save fuel or time, it is a dangerous and impractical practice that can lead to accidents and serious injuries. Always maintain a safe distance to protect yourself and others on the road.