What is the shortest stopping distance for a truck traveling at 60 km/h?

The shortest stopping distance for a truck traveling at 60 km/h is best approximated at around 40 meters. This estimation accounts for several factors that affect stopping distance, including the perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance.

At 60 km/h, the vehicle requires sufficient distance to react to any potential hazards. The average perception-reaction time is about one second, which means that in that time, the truck can travel approximately 17 meters. Once the driver reacts and applies the brakes, the actual stopping distance also depends on the truck's mass, road conditions, and braking power. Generally, heavier vehicles require a longer braking distance compared to lighter ones due to their greater momentum.

Taking all these variables into account, the combination of the perception-reaction distance and the braking distance leads to the conclusion that around 40 meters is a realistic estimate for the shortest stopping distance under typical conditions at that speed. This distance represents a balance between the factors involved in stopping a large vehicle like a truck.