What distance is generally considered safe to maintain behind large trucks?

Maintaining a distance of four seconds behind large trucks is generally recommended for several important reasons. Large trucks have significant blind spots, and a longer following distance provides more time to react if the truck makes unexpected maneuvers or if the driver cannot see smaller vehicles immediately behind them. Additionally, trucks often have longer stopping distances due to their size and weight, so a four-second interval helps to ensure that you have enough space to safely stop if the truck suddenly brakes.

This additional distance can also be particularly helpful in adverse weather conditions, where stopping distance may increase due to wet or icy road surfaces. A four-second gap gives drivers a better field of view, allowing them to see around the truck and make more informed driving decisions. By keeping this safe distance, drivers enhance their chances of avoiding collisions and improve overall road safety.