Having don this stupid act in my younger days with my 79 Breadloaf.,
I can vouch for the strength of the "eddy"(river equivalent of the
vacuum created by the truck trailer) as the backdraft (if that's the
correct term for the wind) would actually pull the van towards the
rear bumper of the semi if I got too close.  I'd never considered the
"Straddle Factor", but that alone would keep me from ever doing it
again!!  Time to paraphrase that rock song, ....I GOTTA drive 55!!

DM&FS

At 07:26 AM 6/21/2008, Mike wrote:
>  It's not the stopping distance that's a problem in causing a tailgater
>rear-end collision.  It's reaction time, and lack of being able to
>anticipate a sudden issue.  That's why tail-gating is illegal, even if you
>attempt to explain to the officer (and the judge) that you were just 'NASCAR
>drafting' in an ill-concieved attempt to improve gas mileage.
>  Plus, if the tractor-trailer hits an immoveable object (like a bridge
>abutment, or a large vehicle pulling out in front of it, normal braking
>stopping distances are irrelevant.
>  Come on, people!  Where's the common sense in all this?  An intelligent
>person wouldn't dream of partaking in such a risky and stupid act.  You have
>too much to lose.
>
>Mike B.
>
>>3.) If you are paying attention, you will not end up as a rear bumper
>>ornament on a semi. Stopping distance for a 40,000 lb truck is a bit
>>longer than a 4,000 lb van.