How do you judge a safe gap when merging onto a highway?
Quick Answer
At 60 mph, vehicles close a 1-second gap in 88 feet. You need at least a 4-second gap to merge safely — that is about 350 feet at highway speed. Use the acceleration lane to reach highway speed and look for a gap that feels comfortably large. If no gap exists, slow down and wait rather than forcing a merge.
Explanation
At 60 mph, vehicles close a 1-second gap in 88 feet. You need at least a 4-second gap to merge safely — that is about 350 feet at highway speed. Use the acceleration lane to reach highway speed and look for a gap that feels comfortably large. If no gap exists, slow down and wait rather than forcing a merge. Understanding this concept is essential for safe driving and will help you answer similar questions on the DMV written test.
Why This Matters on the DMV Test
Questions about Safe Driving are among the most common on the permit test. Knowing the correct answer helps you pass your exam and stay safe on the road. Most states require a score of 70–83% to pass.
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