What’s the correct truck following distance?
Navigating around other cars on the highway or other heavy-traffic areas can be tricky for semi-trucks. Because of your truck’s size and weight, it can take longer for you to stop than typical vehicles, which means there’s an increased risk of rear-end accidents.
That’s why it’s important to know the recommended following distance for trucks. Generally, you’re likely following another vehicle too closely if you wouldn’t be able to avoid an accident if the driver in front of you had to come to an abrupt stop.
Let’s take a deeper look at how to determine the proper truck following distance and other best practices.
How do you calculate the proper following distance for trucks?
If you’re traveling slower than 40 mph, the Federal Motor Vehicle Carrier Safety Administration recommends you leave at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle’s length. To do so, count from the time the vehicle ahead of you passes a fixed object until you pass it.
If you’re traveling faster than 40 mph, leave at least one additional second of time. For example:
Truck following distance estimates are provided with guidance from the Federal Motor Vehicle Carrier Administration.
If you find you’re following too closely, fall back a little and count again until you’ve met the minimum safe following distance.
What’s the difference between truck following distance and stopping distance?
Following distance is the amount of space you should leave between your truck and the vehicle in front of you. Stopping distance is the amount of time your truck takes to come to a complete stop. Make sure your following distance is longer than your stopping distance.
Best practices for truck following distance
Truck following distance in severe weather
In addition to the proper following distance detailed above, take extra precautions when the weather is unfavorable. Rain, wind, snow, and ice can make road conditions dangerous. In general, it’s best to double your normal following distance in bad weather.
What to do if you’re being tailgated
If you find yourself being tailgated by another car, you should:
Stay in the right lane to allow faster traffic to pass, especially in heavy traffic or when traveling uphill.
Avoid unnecessary acceleration. It’s better—and safer—to be tailgated at slower speeds.
Try to avoid sudden movements, such as abrupt lane changes, stops, or turns. Be sure to signal early, and reduce speed gradually.
Increase the following distance in front of you. This can help you maneuver your vehicle more freely, and brake more easily if the conditions require it. It also gives the person tailgating you more room to pass you.
For more, explore our defensive driving tips.
An employer’s role in safe driving practices
Employers also play an important role in keeping their drivers safe on the road—especially when it comes to encouraging good habits and best practices. From helping you design a safety program to providing distracted driving resources, we can help you create an overall culture of safety at your business.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, truck drivers need to increase their following distance if they’re hauling a heavy load. The weight of cargo being hauled will have an impact on stopping distance. Extra heavy loads such as those near the capacity of the vehicle can significantly change how the vehicle reacts to sudden stops.
If a driver cuts in front of your truck, try not to immediately press the brakes. Sudden braking could lead to an accident.
Vehicles that enter a truck’s space will usually exit the area quickly. The driver should let up on the accelerator and gradually slow down to increase following distance.
Standard-vehicle drivers can help avoid following-distance accidents by giving trucks and other large commercial vehicle plenty of space. Don’t follow them too closely or cut in front of them. Signal your intention to switch lanes or turn early.
It can also help you to know a truck’s no zones—or blind spots—and stay out of those as much as you can.
Related resources
Truck rear-end accidents
Explore the factors that contribute to rear-end accidents involving trucks, and the steps you can take to help prevent them—whether you're behind the wheel of the truck or the other involved vehicle.
Reducing truck backing up accidents
Backing accidents occur when a vehicle strikes another vehicle, object, or person while the driver is backing up. These accidents are common and they can cause significant damage or injuries. But there are ways you can help reduce this kind of accident.
How to file a trucking accident claim
Providing accurate information when filing a trucking accident claim can help it get resolved smoothly.