Managing Space and Speed Flashcards

When following another vehicle on a highway at 55 mph, what is the minimum following distance recommended for a CMV under ideal conditions?

Answer: 6 seconds

At 55 mph, CMV drivers should maintain at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length plus an extra second, which typically works out to 6 or more seconds.

A loaded tanker truck is traveling at 60 mph. Compared to an empty tanker at the same speed, how does stopping distance compare?

Answer: Loaded may take longer to stop due to liquid surge

Liquid surge in a loaded tanker can extend stopping distance because the shifting liquid pushes the vehicle forward even after braking.

You are driving a 60-foot CMV at 55 mph. At minimum, how many seconds of following distance should you maintain?

Answer: 7 seconds

The rule is one second per 10 feet of vehicle length plus one second for speeds above 40 mph: 60 ft = 6 seconds + 1 = 7 seconds.

What is the primary reason CMVs require more stopping distance on wet roads compared to dry roads?

Answer: Tires lose traction, increasing stopping distance by up to 40%

Wet pavement significantly reduces tire traction, which can increase stopping distance for a CMV by roughly one-third or more.

When should a CMV driver begin reducing speed before entering a curve?

Answer: Well before the curve

Braking in a curve can cause loss of control, so CMV drivers must slow to a safe speed before entering the curve.

A CMV is descending a long steep grade. Which technique best manages speed?

Answer: Select a low gear before starting the descent and use engine braking

Selecting a low gear before descending allows engine braking to control speed and prevents brake fade from overheating.

What is 'brake fade' and when is it most likely to occur?

Answer: Brakes overheat and lose effectiveness, most common on long downgrades

Brake fade occurs when brakes overheat from excessive use, most commonly when riding the brakes on long, steep downgrades.