The stopping distance of a semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler, can vary significantly based on several factors, including the truck’s weight, speed, road conditions, weather and driver reaction time. For instance, a distracted truck driver on a slick road is going to need far more distance to bring the vehicle to a halt than an alert driver operating on a dry road.
One thing that is certain, though, is that semi-trucks take far longer to stop than passenger cars. A standard car may need around 300 feet to stop, or the length of a football field. On average, a fully loaded semi-truck traveling at highway speeds might require approximately 400 feet to 600 feet to come to a complete stop under normal driving conditions. This distance is considerably longer than that of a passenger car due to a truck’s size and weight.
Drivers need to be aware of these significant stopping distances when driving around trucks, as this knowledge can impact one’s safety. Some considerations include:
Due to their longer stopping distances, it’s crucial for semi-truck drivers to maintain a safe following distance and to drive defensively so that they can more effectively anticipate and mitigate potential hazards on the road. Additionally, passenger vehicle drivers should be aware of a semi-truck’s limitations and avoid cutting in front of them or making sudden stops in their path to better prevent accidents from occurring.