When following other vehicles, maintain a space cushion of at least:
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200 feet.
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Two seconds.
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300 feet.
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Three seconds.
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Explanation
When following other vehicles, you should maintain a space cushion of at least three seconds. This distance allows you enough time to react to sudden changes in traffic flow, such as the vehicle in front slowing down or stopping unexpectedly. The three-second rule provides a practical guideline for maintaining a safe distance, allowing you to adjust your speed accordingly and reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. At high speeds or in bad weather, you may need to increase your following distance.
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This question appears in the following DMV practice tests: