Question

To maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you, the Washington Driver Guide recommends that you use _________ at speeds over 30 mph?

1) the four-second rule
2) the one-second rule
3) the two-second rule
4) the three-second rule

Answer 1

The Washington Driver Guide recommends using the four-second rule at speeds over 30 mph to maintain a safe following distance.

Step-by-step explanation:

To maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you, the Washington Driver Guide recommends that you use the four-second rule at speeds over 30 mph.

This rule is essential for ensuring enough time to react and stop if necessary, especially when traffic conditions are less than ideal or when driving on wet or icy roads, as reaction times and stopping distances can significantly increase.

For instance, if you're driving and the car in front of you suddenly brakes, having followed the four-second rule allows you to have sufficient time to recognize the hazard and bring your vehicle to a stop, thereby reducing the risk of a collision.