Questions and Answers
What is a space cushion?
Space around your vehicle gives you distance to react in emergencies and avoid a crash.
What is the following distance at speeds under 35 mph?
What is the following distance for speeds between 35-45 mph?
What is the following distance for speeds between 46-75 mph?
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How do you determine if you are following far enough behind the vehicle ahead?
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Drivers need to change their following distance only in bad weather conditions.
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When should you increase your following distance?
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What is tailgating?
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What should you do if the driver behind you is tailgating?
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What is the purpose of tapping your brakes?
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Study Notes
Space Cushion
- A space cushion is necessary to provide distance for reacting to emergencies and preventing crashes.
- Maintain positioning in the middle of the lane to create an effective space cushion.
- Ensure ample room in front and behind your vehicle for safe passage of others.
Following Distance Rules
- Utilize the two-, three-, and four-second rule to assess safe following distances.
- Following distance guidelines vary by speed:
- Under 35 mph: Maintain a following distance of 2 seconds.
- 35-45 mph: Maintain a following distance of 3 seconds.
- 46-75 mph: Maintain a following distance of 4 seconds.
Calculating Following Distance
- Process to check following distance:
- Observe the vehicle ahead passing a fixed object (e.g., sign or overpass).
- Start counting seconds until reaching the same point.
- If reaching the mark before counting the allotted seconds, slow down and increase distance.
- Add extra time in adverse conditions, such as poor weather or heavy traffic.
When to Adjust Following Distance
- Drivers should adjust their following distance based on changes in speed or road conditions.
- Response times are critical, with typical hand response around half a second and foot response around three-quarters of a second.
- Influencing factors include road conditions, driver alertness, and weight of vehicles ahead.
Situations to Increase Following Distance
- Increase following distance when:
- Behind large vehicles that obstruct vision.
- In bad weather or heavy traffic.
- Exiting an expressway behind a motorcycle.
- Being tailgated.
Dealing with Tailgaters
- In situations where a driver is tailgating, avoid sudden braking.
- Options include changing lanes or gently tapping the brakes to signal the tailgater to slow down or pass.
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Description
Test your knowledge on maintaining a safe distance while driving through these flashcards. Learn about creating space around your vehicle, which is crucial for reacting to emergencies and avoiding collisions. This quiz will help reinforce safe driving practices.
