How does liquid surge affect stopping a tanker, and what should the driver do?

SURGE AND STOPPING: When a tanker brakes to a stop, the liquid continues moving forward as a wave, then surges back and forth. EFFECTS: The forward surge can PUSH the truck forward even after it has stopped — potentially into an intersection or the vehicle ahead; the surge makes the stop less predictable and can cause the vehicle to lurch; DRIVER RESPONSE: Allow EXTRA stopping distance (the surge effectively increases stopping distance); brake SMOOTHLY and EARLY (gradual braking reduces the surge wave compared to hard braking); anticipate stops well in advance; be ready for the vehicle to move forward slightly when it 'stops'; keep extra space ahead; SMOOTH BORE tanks (no baffles) have the most surge and require the most caution; on SLIPPERY roads, surge plus reduced traction is especially dangerous; the driver must mentally account for the fact that the liquid keeps moving after the truck stops; smooth, early, gradual braking with extra following distance is the key to safe tanker stopping.