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Answer: It provides the operating force used by the braking system
Heavy vehicles may use compressed-air braking systems. The air system provides the pressure needed to operate the brakes.
Air brakesAnswer: Stop safely and have the problem investigated before continuing if the vehicle is unsafe
A brake-system fault can affect the ability to control and stop a heavy vehicle. Safety takes priority over continuing the journey.
Brake systemAnswer: Greater speed, poor road conditions or a heavier load
Stopping distance depends on factors including speed, vehicle/load mass, braking condition and road/tyre conditions.
Braking distanceAnswer: To help maintain control and prevent excessive speed
A heavy vehicle can build up significant momentum on a descent. Appropriate speed and gear selection help the driver maintain control.
Descending slopesAnswer: A heavy vehicle can require substantial distance and time to slow or stop
Vehicle mass, speed, road conditions and braking characteristics affect stopping distance. A heavy-vehicle driver must allow sufficient space to respond safely.
Heavy vehicle following distanceAnswer: It is properly secured and does not create a danger to road users
A load must be secured so that it cannot shift, fall or create a hazard to the driver, vehicle or other road users.
Load securityAnswer: The vehicle's length, acceleration, visibility and the distance needed to complete the manoeuvre
A heavy vehicle can take longer to accelerate and needs more road space to complete a manoeuvre safely.
OvertakingAnswer: The rear of the vehicle and trailer can follow a different path from the front
Long vehicles have different turning characteristics from passenger cars. The rear wheels do not follow exactly the same path as the front wheels.
TurningAnswer: The vehicle may need more space to manoeuvre and may affect other road users
Larger vehicles require more space for turning, stopping, changing lanes and negotiating narrow roads.
Vehicle dimensionsAnswer: Other road users may be hidden from the driver's direct view
Large vehicles can have substantial areas that are difficult or impossible to see directly from the driver's normal position. Proper observation is essential.
Visibility
