If a heavy load is on a truck going downhill, what is the recommended action?

When transporting a heavy load downhill, increasing the following distance is a recommended action to ensure safety. A heavy load changes the dynamics of braking and maneuvering, meaning that the truck will require a longer distance to come to a stop, especially when gravity is pulling the vehicle down the slope. By increasing the following distance, the driver allows more time and space to react to the traffic ahead and any potential hazards, such as sudden stops or obstacles in the roadway.

Cruise control is not advisable in such conditions since it can lead to a lack of proper control over the truck’s speed, particularly on a steep decline. Maintaining current speed could lead to exceeding safe limits, while a fast decrease in speed may lead to loss of control. Therefore, the choice to increase the following distance effectively contributes to safer driving practices when navigating downhill with a heavy load.