How does vehicle weight affect stopping distance?

How does vehicle weight affect stopping distance?

• A. Fully loaded trucks take longer to stop
• B. Fully loaded trucks stop faster
• C. Weight has no effect on stopping distance
• D. Stops are the same on dry and wet roads

Answer: (A)

Weight affects stopping distance because you have to dissipate more kinetic energy when stopping a heavier vehicle. At the same speed, a fully loaded truck carries more energy to shed, so the brakes must work longer to bring it to a halt. The brakes and tires provide a finite stopping force limited by tire-road friction, and heat can reduce braking efficiency for heavy loads. Because more energy needs to be removed and the braking system can fade with heat, a fully loaded truck generally takes longer to stop than an unloaded one, with the effect more noticeable on wet or slick roads.

Weight affects stopping distance because you have to dissipate more kinetic energy when stopping a heavier vehicle. At the same speed, a fully loaded truck carries more energy to shed, so the brakes must work longer to bring it to a halt. The brakes and tires provide a finite stopping force limited by tire-road friction, and heat can reduce braking efficiency for heavy loads. Because more energy needs to be removed and the braking system can fade with heat, a fully loaded truck generally takes longer to stop than an unloaded one, with the effect more noticeable on wet or slick roads.