You should maintain at least __ of following distance per every 10 feet of your vehicle when you are traveling more slowly than 40 mph.
Answers
One second
Two seconds
Three seconds
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is One second.
When traveling at speeds lower than 40 mph, maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for ensuring that you have adequate time to react to any unexpected changes in traffic, such as sudden stops or slowdowns. The general rule of thumb for following distance is that you should maintain at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle’s length, when driving slower than 40 mph.
For example, if your vehicle is 20 feet long, you should maintain at least a two-second following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. This time gap allows for more space in case the leading vehicle suddenly brakes or encounters an obstacle, giving you enough time to react without the risk of a collision.
The reason for maintaining this following distance is based on the concept of “stopping distance,” which consists of the reaction time (the time it takes for you to recognize the need to stop) and the actual braking distance (the distance it takes for your vehicle to come to a complete stop). At slower speeds, the stopping distance decreases, but it is still important to keep a sufficient gap to prevent rear-end collisions.
Driving too closely to another vehicle, known as “tailgating,” can lead to dangerous situations. If you’re too close, you might not be able to react in time if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops or slows down, potentially leading to an accident.
The “one second for every 10 feet” rule works effectively in most conditions. However, factors such as weather conditions, road surface quality, and traffic flow may require you to increase the following distance to ensure safety. When roads are wet or visibility is poor, it’s always wise to give yourself more time and space to react.