In which situations may legal maximum weights not be safe?

The focus on bad weather and mountainous roads as situations where legal maximum weights may not be safe is essential because these conditions significantly increase the risks associated with operating a heavy vehicle.

In bad weather, such as rain, snow, or ice, the stopping distance for heavy vehicles increases due to reduced traction. This makes it difficult to maintain control over the vehicle when loaded to its maximum legal weight. Additionally, in mountainous areas, factors such as steep inclines and declines further complicate the situation. A heavily loaded truck requires more power to climb hills and more distance to safely stop while descending. This can lead to potential hazards like loss of control, brake failure, or accidents if the vehicle is not properly managed in such conditions.

Other situations, such as heavy traffic and urban areas, may also pose challenges, but they are not specifically related to the weight of the load. Similarly, short trips with light loads or driving at night may present their own risks, yet they do not inherently connect with the safety issues surrounding weight limits as directly as bad weather and mountainous terrain do.