What Is the Stopping Distance of a Semi Truck?

What Is the Stopping Distance of a Semi Truck?

By:
Stephen M. Smith
Stephen M. Smith
|
Last Updated:
September 25, 2024
Best Law Firm logo
A truck driver overseeing a brake inspection to ensure proper semi-truck stopping distance.

The Importance of Knowing How Quickly a Semi-Truck Can Stop

With the immense size and weight of a semi-truck, these vehicles pose a threat on the roadways. When one of these large trucks slams into a passenger vehicle, serious damage and injury are likely. Knowing the stopping distance of a semi-truck is essential to both truck drivers and other drivers on the road. 

Accidents can happen quickly when brakes fail or traffic stops in front of one of these large trucks. If you were injured in a semi-truck accident, you may need guidance from our trucking accident lawyers at the Smith Law Center. Call (757) 244-7000 or contact us online to speak to a lawyer and start a free case review.

Stopping Distances of Semi-Trucks vs. Cars

According to the Federal Highway Administration's Freight Management Division, commercial semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded with freight. 

Compared to an average car weight of roughly 4,300 pounds, it is obvious which would suffer more damage in an accident. To ensure safe driving, it is important to maintain adequate following distances. 

A general rule of thumb is the three-second rule. This is when a driver selects a fixed object on the road ahead and counts three seconds after the vehicle in front passes that object. If you pass the object before you count to three, you are following too closely and should back off the driver in front of you.

How Long Does It Take a Semi to Stop?

Trying to stop any vehicle, but especially semi-trucks, can be influenced by the following factors:

  • Vehicle weight
  • Vehicle speed
  • Road conditions
  • Driver reaction time
  • Brakes and mechanical condition
  • Tire contact and grip

When driving near semi-trucks, passenger vehicles should allow extra space to ensure these bigger vehicles have time and distance to stop in an emergency. 

If you were injured in a truck accident, contact our lawyers, who’ve represented victims of accidents since 1949. Our lawyers will walk you through your legal options, including what a truck accident lawsuit timeline would look like for your case.

Large Trucks Require How Many Times The Stopping Distance

Large trucks require greater stopping distance than passenger vehicles. They take approximately twice the stopping distance to safely brake when encountering a road hazard. 

Consider the following statistics from the Department of Transportation:

  • A passenger vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs traveling at 65 mph would need roughly 316 feet to stop. This is approximately the length of a football field.
  • A loaded semi-truck weighing 80,000 lbs traveling at 65 mph would take 525 feet to stop. This is the length of two football fields.
Have you been seriously injured in a semi-truck accident? Our reputable lawyers are here to give you counsel for free during this hard time. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced legal team online or by phone at (757) 244-7000.

Stopping Distance Of A Semi-Truck

Commercial trucks must have longer stopping distances due to their size and weight, as well as other factors. The increased weight of a semi means it has more forward momentum, thus making it harder to decelerate. Semi-trucks also have air brakes, which causes a delay in the time it takes for the braking to begin.

A truck driver’s ability to perceive and then react to a hazard enough to slow down will also affect this timing. Perception slows the time passing while a driver calculates and identifies when to slow down or stop for a hazard. Reaction time is the delay between a driver recognizing the need to slow down and when they can react.

Perception and reaction time can be greatly influenced by trucker fatigue, which can happen with long-haul truckers who drive late into the night and put in long days of work. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has limitations on trucker hours of service, which attempt to ensure that truckers are forced to take appropriate time off to rest.

Still, accidents happen every day, with truck accident statistics showing more severe injuries and fatalities than other accidents on the road.

Equipment Failure and Semi-Truck Stopping Distance

Mechanical equipment failure can impact semi-truck stopping distance, posing a serious safety risk. 

Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to prevent brake system failures and ensure optimal stopping performance. Among the most critical components, brake systems are particularly vulnerable to issues and can fail or overheat with repeated use.

Repeated braking causes the brakes to become less effective due to overheating, which is common in mountainous areas. A brake line rupture or air leak can lead to a complete loss of braking power. The condition and maintenance of brakes especially play a vital role in how easily a commercial truck can come to a halt in an emergency.

Truck maintenance and inspection records can be helpful evidence in providing proof of negligence in a personal injury case. 

Commercial operations and their drivers both have a duty of care to maintain their vehicles to improve vehicle safety and reduce the risk of accidents on the road. 

If you were injured in a truck accident, get in touch with our trucking accident lawyers to discuss your potential claim online or by calling (757) 244-7000.

Get Help From An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a large truck, you deserve justice. Our dedicated team of truck accident attorneys is here to help you through this difficult time. We will handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery.

For the past 75 years, our firm has defended the rights of clients like you with the express interest of providing quality legal representation to victims of negligence.

Let us help you begin to rebuild your life after your injury. Contact us online or by phone at (757) 244-7000 for a free consultation.

Lawyers at Smith Law Center

About Smith Law Center

Our lawyers are more than lawyers. They are people who understand your injuries and the law that surrounds your options when it comes to holding others accountable.
ABOUT US

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Tony Laizure, Principal Laizure Law
Google logo

I have had the immense pleasure to work with Stephen M. Smith many times over the years, and every case ends in success for the client. He is so passionate about his clients and cares deeply about them.

Anonymous (Former Client)
Google logo

They treat you with respect & compassion every step of the way…

Jonathan Wren
Google logo

Great firm. Stephen, David, and their team did a wonderful job representing a brain-injured client I referred to them for hard-fought case against a trucking company in federal court.

Shannon Laymon-Pecoraro
Google logo

I have the pleasure of working with the team at the Smith Law Center regularly. They are well rounded, and their commitment to their clients is top notch.

Donna
Google logo

… your firm is personally responsible for taking what was a horrible tragedy and transforming it into a legacy…

Joe
Google logo

… [Mr. Smith's] style of representation was impeccable, classy, and he cleverly executed every facet of the case …

Nancy
Google logo

… I really can’t thank you enough for securing the damages to which I was entitled …

Marybeth
Google logo

… I am beyond grateful for their caring manner, their legal prowess, and their attention to detail …

Tom
Google logo

Although this card is rather small, the “Thank You” isn’t small at all … You will never know what this money has meant to us. It does not remove the affects of the stroke, but makes things somewhat better …

Tammy & John
Google logo

… For such a large firm, we received very personal care. We will always recommend you highly! …

Angelicia S
Google logo

I had the pleasure of working with Attorney Gill. He was very professional and made the process worth the while. This law firm cares about their clients and it shows. Thank you all for going over and beyond.

Erin L
Google logo

I was very happy with the Smith Law Center. They are professional, attentive and will truly fight for you. The entire office is very nice and communicates throughout the whole process. Mr. Gill is fantastic as well as the paralegals and the other administration team.

Mike S
Google logo

David Holt did an excellent job dealing with a largely uncooperative insurance adjuster. He explored all avenues of recovery, their fees were fair and, once settled, payment was prompt. Five stars all the way.

Christin S
Google logo

Working with David and Lisa was a wonderful experience. I was overwhelmed by their kindness and efficiency.

Kevin Mottley
Google logo

I have had the pleasure of working alongside Stephen Smith, David Holt, and Stewart Gill for several years now, representing traumatic brain injury survivors in fights against insurance companies. These guys are a pleasure to work with and are true trial lawyers who fight for their clients day in and day out in court.

Andy H
Google logo

The attorneys and staff at Smith Law Center are great to work with. They care not only about a successful recovery, but ensuring their clients know what options are available for protecting the recovery long-term.

Shaminece H.
Google logo

The team and my attorney were so friendly. They were always available to help me or answer my questions, and the process wasn’t long at all. I’m so grateful for the services they gave me and for treating me like family.

Shannon L
Google logo

... I have the pleasure of working with the team at the Smith Law Center regularly ... They are well rounded, and their commitment to their clients is top notch.

Andy H
Google logo

... The attorneys and staff are great to work with ... They care not only about a successful recovery, but ensuring their clients know what options are available for protecting the recovery long-term.

Jonathan B
Google logo

... Mr. Smith helped us get a settlement fast, and things are much better now ...Without Stephen’s help I’d probably be dead and penniless. I am a brain injury survivor. On the 4th of July weekend (in 2004), my life was turned inside out when I was hit on my motorcycle. My brother-in-law was searching for brain injury specialists and happened to find Mr. Smith. And he was a lawyer too! Mr. Smith helped us get a settlement fast, and things are much better now.