How Many Car Lengths Should You Stay Behind a Semi Truck?

When driving on the highway, it is important to maintain a safe driving distance from other vehicles. This is especially true when following a semi-truck or large commercial vehicle.

Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks require much more time for braking and maneuvering than smaller passenger vehicles. For this reason, it is important for drivers to stay at least several car lengths behind a semi-truck while sharing the road.

The exact number of car lengths that you should stay behind a semi-truck can vary depending on the speed of travel, weather conditions, and other factors. Generally speaking, it is recommended that drivers stay at least four seconds or four car lengths behind semi-trucks at slower speeds up to 40mph.

At higher speeds of 40mph or more, drivers should increase the distance to five seconds or five car lengths. This helps ensure that there is enough time for a driver to react if the truck needs to make an abrupt stop.

In addition to increasing your distance behind a semi-truck, you should also avoid passing whenever possible. Even if you are able to pass quickly and safely, the large size of the truck may create turbulence in its wake which can cause your vehicle to be pushed towards the side of the road or off balance.

It is also important to always be aware of a truck’s blind spots when driving near them. Large trucks have larger blind spots than most other vehicles which means they may not be able to see you even if you are right next to them. If you cannot see the driver in their mirror, then chances are they cannot see you either.

Conclusion:

Maintaining a safe distance from semi-trucks is essential for avoiding accidents on the highway. Drivers should stay at least four seconds or four car lengths behind semi-trucks at lower speeds and five seconds or five car lengths behind them at higher speeds. Additionally, drivers should avoid passing whenever possible and always be aware of a truck’s blind spots when driving near them in order to ensure safe travels on the road.

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Susan Delgado