What minimum safe distance and speed must be observed when following another truck on a downgrade under normal conditions?

What minimum safe distance and speed must be observed when following another truck on a downgrade under normal conditions?

• A. 30 meters, 30 kilometers per hour
• B. 15 meters, 20 kilometers per hour
• C. 50 meters, 40 kilometers per hour
• D. 10 meters, 60 kilometers per hour

Answer: (A)

On a downgrade, gravity adds to your momentum and can make braking less effective, so you need a larger buffer to react and stop safely. The minimum safe setup under normal conditions is a gap of about 30 meters when you’re traveling around 30 km/h. That distance gives you time to react and start braking before you reach the truck ahead, even with the downhill increase in stopping distance. Shorter gaps or higher speeds reduce your margin and increase the risk of a collision, while this combination provides the necessary safety buffer for the situation.

On a downgrade, gravity adds to your momentum and can make braking less effective, so you need a larger buffer to react and stop safely. The minimum safe setup under normal conditions is a gap of about 30 meters when you’re traveling around 30 km/h. That distance gives you time to react and start braking before you reach the truck ahead, even with the downhill increase in stopping distance. Shorter gaps or higher speeds reduce your margin and increase the risk of a collision, while this combination provides the necessary safety buffer for the situation.