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Difficulty: MediumSpeed Control and Following Distance

When driving on a open road under normal weather and traffic conditions, how should a driver accurately determine if they are maintaining a proper three-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead?

  1. Select a stationary landmark on the roadside, start counting when the leading vehicle passes it, and ensure your vehicle reaches the landmark no sooner than three seconds later.Answer
  2. B
    Estimate one vehicle length of space between cars for every 10 mph of driving speed and monitor the distance visually.
  3. C
    Maintain the posted speed limit and ensure your vehicle stays far enough back that you can stop within your headlight beam distance.
  4. D
    Begin counting three seconds from the instant you notice the leading vehicle's brake lights illuminate.

Answer

Select a stationary landmark on the roadside, start counting when the leading vehicle passes it, and ensure your vehicle reaches the landmark no sooner than three seconds later.
The established method to check following distance is the fixed-object counting technique. As the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes a fixed roadside landmark (like a sign or tree), count out loud 'one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three'. If your vehicle reaches the landmark before finishing the count, you are following too closely and should ease off the accelerator.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify a fixed roadside reference point.
A stationary object such as a road sign, tree, or overpass shadow is chosen ahead of the lead vehicle.
A fixed reference allows accurate measurement of the time elapsed between two vehicles passing the same spot.
2
Begin counting time elapsed as the lead vehicle passes the reference point.
Count 'one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three'.
This standardized counting pace provides an accurate measure of three full seconds.
3
Compare your vehicle's position relative to the reference point when count finishes.
If your front bumper reaches the landmark before reaching three seconds, your following distance is too short.
A distance shorter than three seconds leaves insufficient time for perception, reaction, and braking.

Key Concept

Measuring Following Distance via Fixed Roadside Object
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Speed Control and Following Distance

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