When you’re driving, how do you know how close to drive behind the car in front of you?
You might have heard the rule of thumb that you should follow at least two seconds behind the car in front of you. But in some conditions, you need to double that following distance. If you’re driving in bad weather, for example, you should increase your following distance to four seconds.
Bad weather isn’t the only time you should give yourself more space on the road. If you’re driving a big truck or towing a trailer, you need to give yourself even more space. The general rule is to follow at least one car length for every 10 mph you’re driving. So, if you’re driving 50 mph, you should stay at least five car lengths behind the car in front of you.
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Of course, you can’t always control the conditions you’re driving in. But by following these tips, you can help make sure you’re staying safe on the road.
How Many Feet Should You Stay Behind a Car?
You might have heard the rule of thumb that you should follow at least two seconds behind the car in front of you. But in some conditions, you need to double that following distance.
The Department of Motor Vehicles in California recommends that you stay at least three to four seconds behind the car in front of you if you’re driving in dry conditions. If you’re driving in wet conditions, they recommend that you increase your following distance to eight seconds.
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Of course, you can’t always control the conditions you’re driving in. But by following these tips, you can help make sure you’re staying safe on the road.
Why its Safe and important to following Distance while Driving?
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, and a big part of the problem is that many young drivers don’t understand the importance of following distance.
The rule of thumb is that you should follow at least two seconds behind the car in front of you. But in some conditions, you need to double that following distance. If you’re driving in bad weather, for example, you should increase your following distance to four seconds.
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Bad weather isn’t the only time you should give yourself more space on the road. If you’re driving a big truck or towing a trailer, you need to give yourself even more space. The general rule is to follow at least one car length for every 10 mph you’re driving. So, if you’re driving 50 mph, you should stay at least five car lengths behind the car in front of you.
Of course, you can’t always control the conditions you’re driving in. But by following these tips, you can help make sure you’re staying safe on the road.
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