Eco-Friendly Driving and Vehicle Loading Flashcards

When loading a vehicle, which items should be placed lowest and closest to the centre of the vehicle?

Answer: The heaviest items

Heavy items should be secured as low and central as possible to keep the vehicle's centre of gravity low and maintain stability.

How does an unsecured load in the back of a van affect braking?

Answer: It can shift forward on braking, increasing stopping distance and risk of injury

An unsecured load can slide forward under heavy braking, injuring occupants, damaging the vehicle, and affecting the driver's ability to stop safely.

You are towing a trailer that is loaded unevenly with too much weight at the rear. What is most likely to happen?

Answer: The trailer may sway or snake, making it difficult to control

Rear-heavy trailer loading shifts weight off the towing vehicle's rear axle, causing instability and a risk of dangerous snaking or jack-knifing.

What is the maximum overhang allowed at the rear of a load on a UK vehicle before a marker board is required?

Answer: 2 metres

In the UK, a rear overhang exceeding 2 metres must be indicated by a marker board to warn following drivers of the projection.

How does smooth, anticipatory driving reduce environmental impact compared to aggressive driving?

Answer: It reduces both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by minimising unnecessary acceleration and braking

Smooth, planned driving reduces the number and severity of acceleration and braking events, directly lowering fuel burn and harmful exhaust emissions.

Which of the following best describes 'coasting' in a vehicle?

Answer: Driving with the clutch depressed or the gearbox in neutral while moving

Coasting means travelling with the clutch pressed down or the gearbox in neutral, which removes engine braking control and is generally unsafe.