Dominate the California CDL Class A Exam 2025 – Hit the Road to Success!

To determine the stopping time for a 60-foot truck traveling under 40 mph, it's essential to consider the truck's stopping distance and the factors that contribute to it, such as speed, weight, and braking capability.

For a truck moving at 40 mph, the stopping time can typically be calculated using general guidelines from commercial driver's training. The stopping distance increases with speed, and heavy vehicles like trucks have longer stopping times compared to lighter vehicles due to their mass.

In this case, the chosen answer suggests that it takes 6 seconds for the truck to come to a complete stop. This time frame aligns with expected values for heavy vehicles, as their larger size and weight require a longer duration to stop safely. At 40 mph, which translates to about 58.7 feet per second, a stopping time of approximately 6 seconds gives the driver sufficient time to react, apply brakes, and for the braking system to effectively reduce speed to a stop.

By incorporating a conservative estimate of stopping time, the provided answer effectively emphasizes the importance of safety and the necessary calculations in real-world driving scenarios—especially significant for truck drivers who must be aware of the unique challenges posed by larger vehicles.