Hawaii Drivers Permit Practice Test

Why should you give heavy trucks and buses extra room when driving?

1. Trucks can stop in a shorter distance than cars

2. Trucks require more room to maneuver than cars

3. Trucks require a greater distance to stop than cars

4. Both 2 and 3 above

The correct answer is: Both 2 and 3 above

Heavy trucks and buses require extra room when driving primarily because they have different handling characteristics compared to passenger vehicles. When considering the reasons for giving these larger vehicles extra space, it's essential to understand that they need more distance to stop effectively due to their weight and momentum. This means that, in emergencies or abrupt stops, they cannot slow down as quickly as lighter vehicles. In addition, these vehicles are significantly larger and have longer turning radii, which means they need more room to maneuver safely, whether it's making a turn or changing lanes. The combination of these factors makes it important to maintain a safe distance from larger vehicles, allowing both the driver and the truck or bus operator to navigate the roadway more safely and comfortably. Keeping this in mind helps to ensure overall road safety for all users.