How far may a fully loaded tractor trailer with hot brakes take to come to a complete stop?

The correct choice indicates that a fully loaded tractor trailer with hot brakes can take approximately 400 feet to come to a complete stop. This distance is significant because it reflects the increased stopping distance required under specific conditions. When brakes are hot, which can occur after extended use (such as going down a hill or heavy braking), they lose some of their effectiveness, leading to longer stopping distances.

Understanding the concept of stopping distances is crucial for drivers of large vehicles, as they must account for their size and weight. A fully loaded tractor trailer is much heavier than a regular passenger vehicle, which inherently affects its braking performance and reaction time.

In real-world applications, this knowledge helps drivers maintain safe following distances and allows them to anticipate braking needs in order to prevent accidents. The 400-foot stopping distance serves as a guideline for safe maneuvering and safety precautions when driving larger vehicles.