SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-large-truck-following

Why is following close behind a large truck dangerous?

It blocks your view of the road ahead, and the driver cannot see you.

  1. Trucks stop faster than cars
  2. It is illegal to pass trucks
  3. It blocks your view of the road ahead ✔

Why: Staying close behind a truck puts you in its rear blind spot and hides traffic ahead from you. Back off so you can see and have time to react.

Huh, didn't know that: At 55 mph a car can stop within about 300 feet, but a large truck can take up to 400 feet.

The dad joke
Why do cars stay away from truck tails? They do not want to be left in the dark!
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: It blocks your view of the road ahead. Staying close behind a truck puts you in its rear blind spot and hides traffic ahead from you. Back off so you can see and have time to react.

  1. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 11: Sharing the Road dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-11-sharing-the-road
    The other driver cannot see your car, and your view of other traffic will be blocked.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. California Driver's Handbook, Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont1
    A large vehicle traveling at the same speed can take up to 400 feet to stop.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Cars & DrivingIn California, Tennessee and many other states, how much room must you give a bicyclist when passing?Cars & DrivingWhat are the No Zones around large trucks?Cars & DrivingWhy are motorcycles harder to see than cars?

That's stuff everyone should know.