How can a driver identify if a load is too heavy?

The best way to identify if a load is too heavy is by observing if the vehicle struggles to maintain speed. When a vehicle is loaded beyond its capacity, it may have difficulty accelerating or maintaining its speed on inclines or while navigating flat surfaces. This struggle can manifest as a lack of power, requiring the driver to push the accelerator further than usual to maintain a consistent speed.

Maintaining speed is crucial for safety, especially when sharing the road with other vehicles. If the driver notices that the vehicle frequently lags or has to exert extra effort to maintain speed, it serves as a clear indicator that the load might be excessive. This could lead to dangerous situations including the inability to merge into traffic or stop in an emergency.

Other options such as smooth acceleration, excessive fuel consumption, or unusual noises can also suggest issues with the vehicle or loading, but they may not specifically indicate an overload. For example, smooth acceleration could occur even with a heavy load if the vehicle is sufficiently powerful, while unusual noises or increased fuel consumption might be due to other mechanical issues that are unrelated to the weight of the load.