Do large trucks on the freeway need to keep a minimum safe distance when a car enters their lane?

Question

The gap left in front of large trucks is so useful for changing lanes, but I notice they seem to re-create that safe distance when a passenger car enters or crosses, which probably is frustrating for them to repeatedly slow down, if that's a rule.

Answer 1

All these answers are correct, a semi needs more space to slow down than a 4 wheeled vehicle. Their stopping distance also depends on the weight of their load. The lighter the load, the longer it takes to slow down. A bob-tailing semi (just the truck no trailer) takes even longer. Another thing to consider when pulling out in front of a truck is that the driver may be either a student or a newly qualified driver. Many of the larger trucking companies do training and these trucks aren't marked like the trucking schools are. There are some drivers who will not let any room between them and the vehicle in front of them because of drivers constantly taking that safe distance away from them. A professional driver will keep the safe distance but like all drivers...not everyone is concerned about other drivers...only themselves and the big hurry they are in. More people need to learn to drive with the big rigs in order to keep everyone safer.

Answer 2

We have to have a large gab because it takes almost 300 feet (1 football field) to stop a truck that is loaded. That is a truck that weighs 80,000 lbs. If it's a heavy hauler or an over-sized load than it will take 350 to 400 feet to stop. I know that in Washington state if you cut off a semi-truck and get caught the fine is $101.
Not only do we need the room in front of the truck we also don't like to be tailgated. It is dangerous and the driver is afraid to hit the brakes to hard because he thinks that the car will hit him and go under the trailer.
There is also a blind spot on the left and right side of the truck behind the cab.
I hope this will help you understand just a few things about trucks...

Answer 3

You have described the same frustration drivers of MOST vehicles face when trying to maintain a safe following distance.

It is in how a driver handles that frustration that distinguishes a good driver from a bad one. Most of the vehicles on the road are not big rigs. And, while most drivers will tell you that they understand that a semi will not stop as quickly as a car, in an emergency situation, most drivers don't behave as if they know. They figure if there is enough space to fit, it is adequate space, whether in front of a truck or a Toyota.

And, regardless of "right of way," "three second rule," or any other safety rule, the truck driver has to cope with this tendancy. He does not WANT to slow down. Conserving momentum and energy is a big deal to these guys. Any time spent on the brakes is wasted fuel getting up too that speed. So, a good truck driver watches the road, ahead, anticipating what he needs to do. If traffic slows, significantly, he eases off the gas pedal, coasting down to slower speeds, instead of hitting the brakes. Same is true at entrance ramps. If he sees cars merging, he will ease off enough to let faster cars in. There are, of course, passenger car drivers that will assume the truck will let in any number of vehicles and, sometimes, one of those nutcases will cut off a truck, risking his and other people's lives in the process.

Can't do much about them but curse, and keep an eye out for the next idiot.

Answer 4

It's more strongly suggested than enforced (until there is a wreck). If someone is coming on an on ramp, they are s'pose to yeild. With traffic on the freeway, it's extremely hard to keep distances. That's why there are 2 lanes, one for slow drivers and trucker and the other for flowing traffic. If someone feels uncomfortable about a truckers distance, they can get in another lane.

Answer 5

Drivers do this because it takes longer to stop 80,000LBS than a 4K car. Stupid people either don't know or don't CARE about the truck driver's difficulties.

I drive a diesel powered motorhome and experience the same problem, but it's something you either get used to or you'll go nuts. I just cruise along and leave a BIG gap, knowing someone is going to jump in there.

Answer 6

They need that gap so that they do not hit the car if it slows suddenly. Trucks cannot stop as quickly. Do not drive into that gap unless you want to risk being hit by the truck if you have to slow suddenly and it cannot.

Answer 7

Every vehicle need to keep a safe driving distance , you pulling out into my space , when i am 80,000 pounds and then you hit the brakes , is asking to DIE !! you stupid *** , the space is not created to make your commute easier !!! it takes ALOT more room to stop a LARGE TRUCK . think of that next time you cut in front of one in traffic ..
traffic jams are mostly caused by IDIOTS who think the next lane is going faster and cut over , only to be passed by the guy who was behind them in the other lane ..

Think about it !!

Answer 8

ever see what happens when a 70 or 80,000 pound truck smacks into a 1500 pound car? can we say....crushed tin foil? at 70,000 pounds, u are looking at 31.25 tons, for 80,000 almost 36 tons. and typically, this is just for the LOAD. this dont include the tractor. when will u cagers ever learn the mantra: he that has the most sheet metal wins? just because it has air brakes dont mean it will stop very quick. u cagers are gambling with ur life. if those brakes go, they will be scraping u off the asphalt for as long as it took him to get stopped. maybe this is why semi's are piloted by sane drivers....the rest of u wouldnt survive even the 1st leg into a 3 state run without crushing someone out of existance.

Answer 9

In my state its illegal to cut in front of a semi, if you pull in front of it there is a minimum amount of space required, cant remember the exact number but its something like 2 or 3 semis' length.

Answer 10

Cars need to stop cutting off large trucks.