LGV Safe Braking Distances

Question 1

What is the overall stopping distance for a vehicle travelling at 60 mph in ideal conditions (thinking distance plus braking distance)?

Accepted Answer

73 metres (240 feet)

Answer

55 metres

Answer

91 metres

Answer

60 metres

Question 2

How does vehicle weight affect braking distance for an LGV?

Accepted Answer

Greater weight increases kinetic energy, requiring significantly longer distances to stop

Answer

Greater weight improves traction, reducing stopping distance

Answer

Weight has minimal effect on modern air-braked vehicles

Answer

Heavier vehicles stop faster due to increased tyre contact area

Question 3

What effect does a wet road surface have on braking distance?

Accepted Answer

It typically doubles the braking distance compared to a dry road

Answer

It increases braking distance by 25% only

Answer

It has minimal effect on air-braked vehicles

Answer

It only affects front wheel braking

Question 4

What is 'thinking distance' in the context of stopping distance?

Accepted Answer

The distance the vehicle travels during the driver's reaction time before the brakes are applied

Answer

The distance travelled once the brakes are applied

Answer

The time taken to decide to brake

Answer

The distance a vehicle skids after maximum braking

Question 5

What is brake fade and how does it affect LGV braking?

Accepted Answer

Reduced braking efficiency caused by heat build-up in brake components — especially dangerous on long descents

Answer

Brakes wearing out over time

Answer

ABS disengaging during heavy braking

Answer

Loss of air pressure in the brake system

Question 6

What is the recommended following distance for an LGV at 60 mph on a dry motorway?

Accepted Answer

At least a 2-second gap — but significantly more due to the vehicle's weight and longer stopping distance

Answer

Exactly 2 seconds — the same as for any vehicle

Answer

1 second per 10 mph (6 seconds at 60 mph)

Answer

50 metres minimum