You are driving at 60\text{ mph} on a single carriageway where winter weather has caused w… — UK Driving Theory Test

You are driving at $60\text{ mph}$ on a single carriageway where winter weather has caused widespread packed ice and snow on the road surface. In normal dry conditions at this speed, the UK Highway Code specifies a $2\text{-second}$ time gap and a total stopping distance of $73\text{ metres}$ ( $240\text{ feet}$ ). According to the Highway Code, what is the minimum safe following time gap you should maintain, and up to what distance can your total stopping distance increase in these icy conditions?

A
Maintain at least a $4\text{-second}$ gap; stopping distance can increase up to $146\text{ metres}$ ( $480\text{ feet}$ )
Maintain at least a $20\text{-second}$ gap; stopping distance can increase up to $730\text{ metres}$ ( $2,400\text{ feet}$ )Answer
C
Maintain at least a $10\text{-second}$ gap; stopping distance can increase up to $365\text{ metres}$ ( $1,200\text{ feet}$ )
D
Maintain at least a $20\text{-second}$ gap; stopping distance can increase up to $568\text{ metres}$ ( $1,860\text{ feet}$ ) because only braking distance is multiplied

Answer

Maintain a following time gap of at least

20\text{ seconds}

and anticipate an overall stopping distance of up to

730\text{ metres}

(

2,400\text{ feet}

According to the UK Highway Code, stopping distances on icy surfaces can be up to ten times greater than in dry conditions. Therefore, at

60\text{ mph}

, the standard

73\text{ metres}

(

240\text{ feet}

) stopping distance increases up to

730\text{ metres}

(

2,400\text{ feet}

), and the standard

2\text{-second}

time gap must be extended up to

20\text{ seconds}

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the baseline dry-road stopping distance and following time gap at

60\text{ mph}

The baseline dry stopping distance is

73\text{ metres}

(

240\text{ feet}

) and the standard time gap is

2\text{ seconds}

This establishes the standard reference values specified in the UK Highway Code.

Apply the official weather multiplier for icy and snowy road conditions to the overall stopping distance

73\text{ metres} \times 10 = 730\text{ metres}

(or

240\text{ feet} \times 10 = 2,400\text{ feet}

The Highway Code states that stopping distances on ice and snow can increase by up to ten times.

Scale the required separation time gap by the same factor of ten

2\text{ seconds} \times 10 = 20\text{ seconds}

The separation margin must be increased up to ten times to provide sufficient time to react and stop safely on extremely slippery surfaces.

Key Concept

Adjusting separation distances and stopping distance expectations in icy driving conditions

Estimated Time:1m 30s

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