Question

you are driving on a congested three-lane expressway during morning rush hour, going east as the sun is rising. what is the minimum number of seconds needed for following distance? select the correct answer.

Answer 1

The minimum safe following distance for driving is typically adhered to the 3-second rule, which should be increased during conditions such as morning rush hour or when vision might be impaired by the sunrise; therefore, more than 3 seconds would be the minimum safe following distance in the scenario described.

Step-by-step explanation:

The minimum number of seconds needed for following distance during driving is based on the rule often referred to as the '3-second rule'. This rule states that you should have a three-second cushion between you and the vehicle in front of you. During times of congestion and less ideal conditions such as sunrise or sunset, which could impair vision, increasing this distance is advised. If Bridget observes cars taking 3 seconds to travel 50 meters, then at minimum the following distance during ideal conditions should be 50 meters to maintain a safe reaction time.

However, during morning rush hour with the added difficulty of a rising sun that could potentially impair vision, it is advisable to increase this distance well beyond 3 seconds. Factors such as the width of the expressway lanes (3 meters for each lane) do not directly affect the time needed for a safe following distance but are relevant in assessing the environment and potential hazards.