When stopping a tractor trailer, what should officers remember about their stopping distance?

In the context of stopping a tractor trailer, it is essential to understand that these vehicles are significantly larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles. As a result, they possess a much longer stopping distance due to their mass and momentum, which increase when traveling at higher speeds. Officers should remember that the stopping distance for a tractor trailer is not only longer because of physical laws of motion, but also due to the time it takes to air brake systems to engage fully, which is typical in commercial vehicles.

These vehicles require greater distance and time to come to a complete stop, particularly in emergency situations where the driver may need to react quickly. This longer stopping distance is crucial for officers to consider, as it affects their approach and tactics when managing traffic and ensuring safety on the road. Understanding that they need extra time to stop allows officers to make informed decisions while interacting with or stopping these large vehicles.