When traveling at highway speeds on a dry road, what is the recommended minimum following distance?
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At least 4 seconds.
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At least 5 seconds.
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Between 2 and 4 seconds.
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Between 3 and 6 seconds.
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Explanation
At highway speeds on dry pavement, you should maintain a minimum following distance of 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This provides enough time and space to steer or brake safely if traffic ahead suddenly slows or stops. Increase your following distance in poor weather, on wet pavement or at night.
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Other questions in the same category: Safe Following Distances
Most rear-end collisions are caused by the vehicle in the back following too closely.
Drivers should allow a larger space cushion when stopping:Drivers may need more space in front of their vehicle:To maintain an adequate "space cushion" around their vehicle, drivers need to:You should increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead when you:When should you increase your following distance?A safe following distance when driving in normal conditions at speeds of 30 mph or slower is:The ten-second rule helps the driver determine a safe following distance.To keep the driver behind you at a safe distance you should:Allow a larger space cushion when stopping:
This question appears in the following DMV practice tests: