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Difficulty: MediumSpeed Control and Following Distance

When driving on an unpaved gravel road, maintaining the standard three-second following distance is sufficient to prevent rear-end collisions, as gravel surface friction is equivalent to dry asphalt.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. Loose gravel reduces tire traction and increases braking distance, requiring a following distance greater than the standard three seconds to stop safely.
Loose gravel decreases tire traction, which lengthens stopping distance. Consequently, drivers must increase their following distance beyond the standard three-second rule to maintain a safe space cushion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the effect of surface material on tire friction
Unpaved loose gravel roads provide lower traction than paved asphalt roads.
Loose particles cause tires to slide rather than grip the road surface firmly.
2
Determine the necessary adjustment to following distance
The minimum following distance must be increased from three seconds to four or more seconds.
Increased braking distance on low-traction surfaces requires a larger time buffer to avoid colliding with a stopping vehicle ahead.

Key Concept

Surface traction and safe following distance adjustments
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Topics

Speed Control and Following Distance

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