When following trucks, tractor trailers, and/or buses, what is a key driving consideration?

When following trucks, tractor trailers, and buses, the key driving consideration is that they have wide turns and slower acceleration and deceleration. Large vehicles such as these require more room to maneuver, especially when making turns, since their length means they need to swing wide to avoid obstacles, including curbs and other vehicles.

Additionally, these vehicles are typically equipped with larger cargo loads, which affects their ability to speed up or slow down quickly. The significant weight and size of trucks and buses mean they take longer to accelerate and need greater distances to come to a full stop. This characteristic necessitates increased following distance to ensure safety and give drivers adequate reaction time to adjust their speed when necessary.

Understanding these factors helps other drivers maintain the necessary safe distance, react appropriately in various driving situations, and ultimately reduce the risk of collisions.