Which of the following is true about following large trucks?

• A. Increasing following distance is advisable due to longer stopping distances.
• B. You should tailgate to intimidate the truck.
• C. You should maintain the same following distance as with cars.
• D. You should accelerate away to pass quickly.

Answer: (B)

When you’re behind a large truck, you need more space than you would with a car because trucks have longer stopping distances and larger blind spots. Giving extra following distance lets you see the truck’s brake lights clearly, gives you time to react if it slows suddenly, and reduces the chance of a rear-end crash. It also helps you avoid being in the truck’s blind spots as it turns or changes lanes. Tailgating to intimidate is dangerous and doesn’t make driving safer; it actually increases risk. Maintaining the same distance as cars doesn’t account for the truck’s longer stopping distance, and rushing to pass quickly can put you in a spot where the truck can swing wide or accelerate to block you. In good conditions, aim for at least a three-second gap, and increase it in rain, wind, or poor visibility.