In determining how well your air brake system works, which is NOT a significant factor?
- Brake adjustments
- Weight of the driver ✓
- Weight of the vehicle
- Driving speed
Answer: B. Weight of the driver
The weight of the driver is not a significant factor in how well your air brake system works.
Why this is the answer
The handbook names three things that clearly do matter. Foundation brakes must be in correct working order and properly adjusted, since even a well-designed air brake system cannot safely stop a vehicle whose brakes are out of adjustment. It also explains that speed and the weight of the vehicle both change how much stopping power you need. The weight of the person behind the wheel is never mentioned among the things that affect braking, so it isn't a significant factor here.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Brake adjustments — Brake adjustment is a real factor, because the handbook calls the foundation brakes the most important part of the system and says poorly adjusted brakes stop the vehicle unsafely.
- C. Weight of the vehicle — Vehicle weight is a real factor, since doubling the weight of the vehicle requires twice the stopping power.
- D. Driving speed — Driving speed is a real factor, because doubling speed requires four times the stopping power.
Remember it
Remember the pair the handbook ties to stopping power: how fast you go and how heavy the vehicle is. Who is sitting in the driver's seat isn't part of that math.