What is meant by 'load stability' in driving a commercial vehicle?

Load stability in the context of driving a commercial vehicle refers to maintaining a compact load to ensure vehicle balance. A well-balanced load is crucial for the safe handling and performance of the vehicle on the road. When cargo is secured and compact, it helps prevent shifts during transit that could lead to instability, loss of control, or accidents.

A compact load lowers the center of gravity and enhances the vehicle's overall stability, especially during maneuvers, such as sharp turns or abrupt stops. Properly loading cargo in a manner that is both compact and evenly distributed across the vehicle's axles ensures that all tires maintain even contact with the road, which increases traction and improves the vehicle's handling characteristics.

Ensuring cargo is evenly distributed is also important, but this option lacks the emphasis on compactness, which is critical for balance. Keeping the vehicle at a constant speed pertains to driving techniques rather than load placement. Loading items at the rear only can create a significant imbalance, leading to a higher risk of tipping or loss of control. Therefore, option C captures the essence of what load stability truly means when it comes to safe operation and handling of commercial vehicles.