What is the safe following distance at 55 mph?
Quick Answer
At 55 mph the minimum safe following distance is 3 seconds giving about 242 feet. Four seconds is safer. On a wet road increase to 6 seconds. On icy roads increase to 10 seconds or more.
Explanation
At 55 mph the minimum safe following distance is 3 seconds giving about 242 feet. Four seconds is safer. On a wet road increase to 6 seconds. On icy roads increase to 10 seconds or more. 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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