Following Distances for Trucks

Safe following distance is a constant challenge for commercial drivers. Here are some tips to help you on the road!
(This is part of our weekly driver training series that's provided to our clients, for more information, check out www.MySafetyManager.com.)
Passenger vehicles can often make erratic lane changes and exhibit other questionable driving behaviors. Heavy traffic and the kinds of other vehicles around you can also impact the amount the space you leave in front of you.
In addition to providing enough stopping time, proper following distance allows for more time for you to make better decisions and to drive more defensively.
The length of proper following distance depends on a variety of factors, but there are some key points that everyone should keep in mind.
According to the F.M.C.S.A., if you are driving below 40 mph, you should leave at least one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length. For a typical tractor-trailer, this results in 4 seconds between you and the leading vehicle.
For speeds over 40 mph, you should leave one additional second per 10 miles per hour. In most road and traffic conditions, you should be leaving about 7 to 10 seconds of space between your truck and the vehicle in front of you.
A good rule of thumb is to double that amount when driving in adverse conditions. Since you’re driving a vehicle that has a longer stopping distance, it’s critical to keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
That distance gives you enough time to stop if you have to brake suddenly or react quickly to changing traffic conditions.
Leaving enough space gives you enough time to avoid other vehicles, reduce your speed if needed, and keep control of the vehicle. When following too close, you run the risk of causing damage to your vehicle, other road users, and even yourself.
Did You Know that the average stopping distance for a loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 55 mph (in ideal conditions) is 196 feet?
A car only takes about 133 feet to stop.
You should always adjust your following distance to appropriately match weather conditions, road conditions, visibility, and traffic.
One of the primary things that affect safe following distance is how much vehicle traffic or other road users there are on the road.
If traffic is heavy, you should increase your following distance. When following another semi-truck, you should increase your safe following distance more to account for their increased stopping distances too.
Other key factors that affect safe following distance include the weight of your load, your current speed, and the condition of the road. If you're unloaded, you'll need more time to stop safely, so leave more distance in front of you.
Also, the faster you're traveling, the more space you will need to slow or stop appropriately. The condition of the road is especially important because it affects your vehicle’s handling.
If the road is wet, snowy or icy, you may hydroplane or jackknife more easily. In adverse conditions, you should always slow down and leave more space to maneuver.

[@tatyanailyuk3035]

Very informative ❤

[@kavipoma]

Elathukume government eh kora solla koodathunga… rulesseh follow pannathathau makkal thappu…. Road la truck pona ivlo distance la poganum nu theriyama yean irukanga makkal? “ It is recommended to maintain a distance of at least 20 feet to ensure safety and allow for unexpected movements.

[@hamshintani1172]

🌸 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐦