Final answer:
Following distance for trucks is crucial for road safety, involving the 3-second rule or sufficient space based on speed and conditions. Trucks have longer stopping distances and must ensure their stopping total distance doesn't exceed the safe gap to avoid accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
When one truck is following another truck or vehicle, it must maintain a safe following distance, ensuring it has enough space to stop safely in case the vehicle in front stops suddenly. This is vital for road safety and is often referred to as the '3-second rule' or an appropriate space that increases with the vehicle's speed and road conditions. Trucks require a much longer distance to stop than passenger vehicles due to their heavier weight and longer stopping distances.
The total distance that a truck covers when stopping is the sum of the distance traveled during the driver's reaction time (dAB) and the distance it takes to come to a complete stop once the brakes are applied (dBC). If a child is 50 meters ahead, the truck must ensure that the sum of dAB and dBC does not exceed this 50-meter gap. By doing so, the truck will not hit the child.
Proper following distance is key for road safety and helps prevent collisions and other traffic incidents. Drivers, especially of large vehicles like trucks, must be well aware of their vehicle's capabilities and the driving conditions to calculate the safe following distance accordingly. This proactive driving measure protects all road users, including pedestrians such as children who might be present on or near roadways.