Which of the following best defines "hazardous materials" in the trucking context?

In the context of trucking, "hazardous materials" are defined as substances that could harm public health or safety. This definition encompasses a wide range of materials, including chemicals, explosives, flammable substances, and toxic agents that pose a significant risk during transportation. Regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials are put in place to protect drivers, emergency responders, and the general public from potential dangers associated with these substances. Proper identification, labeling, and handling of hazardous materials are critical to ensure safety and compliance with applicable laws.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of hazardous materials as defined in the trucking industry. For instance, being environmentally friendly does not correlate with the potential dangers posed by certain materials, nor do items derived from natural resources inherently imply a risk to health or safety. Furthermore, the ease of storage in trucks does not pertain to the classification of materials as hazardous; rather, it focuses on logistics and space management rather than potential harm.