Which of these statements is true about large trucks?
Answers
They take longer to stop than passenger vehicles.
They all have air brakes that allow them to stop quickly.
They are more maneuverable than passenger vehicles.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: They take longer to stop than passenger vehicles.
Explanation:
Large trucks, including semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles, typically take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles. This is due to several factors, such as their weight, size, and braking system.
- Weight and Size: Large trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles. A heavier vehicle requires more force to stop, which directly impacts its stopping distance. The greater the mass of a vehicle, the more energy it has in motion, and thus more distance is required to bring it to a halt.
- Braking Systems: Many large trucks are equipped with air brake systems, which, while effective for heavy loads, operate differently than the hydraulic braking systems found in most passenger cars. While air brakes are reliable, they require more time to build up pressure and activate compared to hydraulic brakes. This means it takes longer for the brakes to engage fully and stop the vehicle.
- Maneuverability: Large trucks are less maneuverable than passenger vehicles. Their size and the difficulty in turning, particularly in tight spaces, make them less responsive to quick direction changes. Unlike smaller vehicles, which can make sharp turns and lane changes quickly, trucks need more space to navigate and stop.
- Stopping Distance: On average, a large truck can take 40% longer to stop than a passenger vehicle. This is especially critical in emergency situations, where trucks may require an additional 50 to 60 feet to stop at highway speeds, depending on road conditions and the load being carried.
Therefore, large trucks take significantly longer to stop, and drivers of passenger vehicles must remain aware of this fact when sharing the road to avoid accidents.