Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

What is the recommended following distance for a car in good conditions?

1. 1 second

2. 2 seconds

3. 3 seconds

4. 4 seconds

The correct answer is: 3 seconds

The recommended following distance for a car in good conditions is three seconds. This guideline helps drivers maintain a safe space between their vehicle and the one in front of them, allowing for adequate reaction time if the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or slows down. The three-second rule provides a buffer that helps to account for varying speeds, road conditions, and driver reactions. In practice, this means that when the vehicle in front passes a fixed point, such as a sign or a tree, you should be able to count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three" before your vehicle reaches the same point. If you pass the point before you finish counting, that indicates you're too close and should increase your following distance. The other choices suggest shorter distances that may not provide sufficient time to react, especially in situations where sudden stops may occur. Following too closely can result in rear-end collisions, which are among the most common types of accidents on the road. Therefore, maintaining a three-second following distance promotes safety and reduces the risk of such collisions.