How much space should you maintain between your large commercial vehicle and others on the highway?

Maintaining a safe distance between your large commercial vehicle and others on the highway is crucial for safe driving. The correct answer, 60 m (200 ft), is based on the need for adequate stopping distance, especially for larger vehicles that take longer to stop due to their weight and size.

Large commercial vehicles have greater mass and inertia, which means they require more time and distance to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles. A distance of 60 m allows for sufficient space to react to sudden stops or emergencies ahead, which is essential in preventing collisions. This spacing not only helps ensure the safety of the driver and cargo but also contributes to overall highway safety by reducing the risk of rear-end accidents.

While the other distances—30 m, 90 m, and 120 m—might sound reasonable in certain contexts, they either fall short of the recommended safety margin for larger vehicles or exceed what is typically necessary. A distance of 30 m may not provide enough buffer in emergency situations, while 90 m and 120 m could be excessive and lead to unnecessary congestion on the highway. Therefore, 60 m is the established guideline that balances safety and practicality for large commercial driving.