A loaded truck needs far more room to stop than a car, so it needs a larger cushion.
- Keep a generous following distance and increase it in rain, snow, fog or heavy traffic, and when the truck is heavily loaded.
- At highway speed, a truck and trailer should stay well back of the vehicle ahead. A brief gap that looks fine for a car is too short for a loaded rig.
- Leave space beside and behind the truck too, not just in front, so you always have an escape route.
Common mistake: following a smaller vehicle closely because the truck's size feels intimidating. Closing the gap removes your room to stop.