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Safe Following Distance
- 1/30If you are driving a heavy vehicle at normal speed
Trucks and buses need more time and space to stop than passenger cars, especially under load.
When road conditions are wet, sandy, or dusty
Poor traction extends braking time and reduces vehicle stability.
At speeds above 80 km/h
High speeds increase stopping distance dramatically, especially with full cargo.
If your truck is fully loaded
Fully loaded trucks must drive 10 to 20 km/h below posted speed limits, particularly on slopes, curves, or in stop-and-go traffic. The added weight increases braking distance and reduces maneuverability, making speed control essential for safety and legal compliance.
When following another heavy vehicle
Staying back improves visibility and reaction time to sudden stops.
If visibility is reduced by fog or sand
You must be able to stop within the distance you can clearly see ahead.
When approaching traffic signals or junctions
Heavy vehicles take longer to decelerate, so early braking prevents running red lights.
If the vehicle ahead is smaller and brakes suddenly
Heavy vehicles cannot stop as quickly as smaller vehicles and require longer buffer zones.
When descending a long hill under load
Avoid relying only on brakes-this reduces heat buildup and loss of control.
At highway speeds with a full cargo load
At highway speeds with a full cargo load, a 5 to 6 second gap gives enough time to stop safely and avoid jackknifing.
If the road is curved or sloped
On curves or slopes, extra distance lets you react if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
When traveling in traffic near urban construction zones
In traffic near construction zones, keep distance to avoid crashes from sudden stops or lane shifts.
If another vehicle cuts into your lane
Another vehicle cuts in, adjust following distance to restore a safe braking buffer.
At toll gates or checkpoints
At tolls or checkpoints, proceed slowly and leave a truck-length gap to prevent rear-end collisions.
When youre being tailgated
This creates extra stopping space in case you are pushed forward in a crash.
If you are driving in stop-and-go traffic
In stop-and-go traffic, maintain steady speed and leave space to avoid harsh braking and rear-end risks.
When your vehicle’s brakes are warm from heavy use
Brake fade is common in heavy vehicles descending hills or in city traffic.
If you are pulling a loaded trailer
Pulling a loaded trailer, reduce speed and take wider turns to prevent trailer swing or jackknifing.
At night or in low-light conditions
Poor lighting hides road hazards and lengthens perception-reaction time.
If your truck’s tires are worn or underinflated
Good tires are essential for traction and control, especially when loaded.
When carrying fragile or top-heavy cargo
More space means more gradual braking, which protects both vehicle and cargo.
When approaching an intersection where visibility is blocked
Parked vehicles or turns can obstruct views of oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
If road conditions include gravel, sand, or oil patches
On gravel or slippery patches, slow down and steer gently to avoid skids or loss of control.
At higher altitudes or hot weather
Heavy use in hot climates causes fading or air pressure imbalance in brakes.
When using air brakes or air-assisted systems
Air brake delay means you need more space to stop compared to hydraulic brakes.
If your truck is equipped with retarder or engine brake
Your truck has a retarder or engine brake, use it early on slopes to reduce reliance on foot brakes and prevent overheating.
When your view of brake lights ahead is blocked
Blind following reduces your time to respond and increases rear-end risk.
If traffic is moving unpredictably
Commercial vehicles need time and space to avoid erratic drivers or motorcyclists.
If your load is unevenly distributed
Imbalanced cargo affects control and stopping force on each axle.
When you are new to driving a loaded vehicle
Until you are familiar with stopping patterns under load, leave a wider margin.