What is the recommended distance to maintain behind a large truck compared to a passenger vehicle?

Maintaining a greater distance behind a large truck compared to a passenger vehicle is important for several safety reasons. Large trucks have larger blind spots, known as "no-zones," which limits the truck driver's visibility of smaller vehicles around them. By staying farther behind, a driver can ensure they remain visible to the truck driver and can also see the road ahead more clearly, which can help in anticipating the truck's movements.

Additionally, large trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles due to their size and weight. By keeping a greater distance, the driver can react more effectively in case of sudden stops or emergencies. This extra space can give the driver enough time to react to potential dangers, such as sudden braking or obstacles in the road, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Maintaining a safe following distance is a critical aspect of defensive driving, especially when sharing the road with larger vehicles.