CDL Tanker Endorsement Practice Exam

Which statement about stopping distance and speed is true?

1. All Answers are false

2. All Answers are true

3. Stopping distance is constant irrespective of speed

4. Speed only affects stopping distance on dry roads

The correct answer is: All Answers are true

Stopping distance is influenced by several factors, primarily speed, vehicle weight, and road conditions. As speed increases, the stopping distance increases as well. This is due to the fact that higher speeds require more time and distance to slow down or stop safely. The formula for calculating stopping distance considers both reaction time and braking distance, both of which are affected by speed. The correct understanding of stopping distance is that it is not constant; it varies with speed. Therefore, stating that stopping distance is constant irrespective of speed is incorrect. Similarly, speed affects stopping distance on various surfaces—this can be more pronounced on wet or slippery roads, but it is not limited to dry conditions. Hence, although speed indeed impacts stopping distances significantly, it is misleading to say that it only affects stopping distances on dry roads. In essence, recognizing that stopping distance increases with speed and is influenced by a range of factors is crucial for safe driving, especially in commercial driving scenarios involving tankers. Thus, the statement that all answers are true is inaccurate, leading us back to understanding that stopping distance is dependent on speed and other related variables.