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Difficulty: MediumSpeed Control and Following Distance

To maintain a three-second following distance, the physical space in feet between your vehicle and the car ahead must increase as your driving speed increases.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
Maintaining a constant time cushion (such as three seconds) requires expanding the physical distance between vehicles as speed increases, because higher speeds cover significantly more feet per second.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze how speed affects distance traveled per second.
Distance traveled per second increases proportionally with speed.
At higher speeds, a vehicle covers more feet during each second of travel time.
2
Calculate the physical distance required for a three-second time gap at different speeds.
At 30 mph30\text{ mph} (44 ft/s44\text{ ft/s}), a three-second gap requires 132 feet132\text{ feet}. At 60 mph60\text{ mph} (88 ft/s88\text{ ft/s}), a three-second gap requires 264 feet264\text{ feet}.
Preserving a constant three-second time cushion requires expanding the physical gap as speed increases.
3
Evaluate the accuracy of the statement.
The statement correctly asserts that physical distance must increase with speed to maintain a three-second time interval.
The statement is true.

Key Concept

Relationship between vehicle speed, time cushion, and physical following distance
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Speed Control and Following Distance

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