Final answer:
To avoid being rear-ended by a large commercial truck or bus, drivers should avoid sudden stops or movements and ensure they are visible to larger vehicles, taking into account their increased stopping distances and slower reaction times due to weight and size.
Step-by-step explanation:
You could get "rear-ended" by a large commercial truck or bus if you suddenly stop or slow down without warning, if you cut in front of them without leaving enough space or if they are following too closely and cannot react in time to changes in the traffic flow. In cases where visibility is low or the truck is carrying a heavy load, stopping distances can be greatly increased.
It is essential for all drivers to be aware of the significant size and weight of commercial vehicles and the impact these factors have on their ability to stop quickly. For example, heavily loaded trucks have more momentum and require more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. This is a clear application of collision theory, where understanding the dynamics of motion and force can prevent accidents. Moreover, being cognizant of one's own actions on the road, like making sure to give ample notice before decelerating, can prevent unwelcome and dangerous incidents such as getting rear-ended by a large vehicle.
Furthermore, one must always be ready to respond in situations with a high response rate, such as having to perform an unexpected stop due to a pedestrian or an animal crossing the road, to minimize the risk of accidents. In essence, safe driving requires constant vigilance and a good understanding of how the laws of physics, like inertia and momentum, affect vehicles in motion.