What is the minimum safe following distance at highway speeds?
Quick Answer
At highway speeds, maintain at least a 3–4 second following distance. At 65 mph you travel about 95 feet per second, so a 4-second gap gives you roughly 380 feet to react. In bad weather, double your following distance to 6–8 seconds.
Explanation
At highway speeds, maintain at least a 3–4 second following distance. At 65 mph you travel about 95 feet per second, so a 4-second gap gives you roughly 380 feet to react. In bad weather, double your following distance to 6–8 seconds. 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 Speed Limits 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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