In general, how do trucks compare to cars when it comes to stopping distances?

Trucks take longer distances than cars to stop due to their larger size and greater weight. The fundamental principle of physics at play here is that heavier objects require more force and time to decelerate effectively. When a truck is loaded, its mass increases significantly compared to a regular car, which means it has more momentum and thus needs more distance to come to a complete stop.

Additionally, trucks often have different braking systems and characteristics compared to passenger vehicles. While they may be equipped with powerful brakes to handle their weight, they still cannot stop as quickly as smaller, lighter vehicles, especially on slippery or inclined surfaces. Therefore, when driving in diverse conditions, it’s crucial for drivers to maintain greater following distances behind trucks to account for their longer stopping distances.