Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

What is the required following distance behind a motorcycle traveling at 40 or more miles per hour?

1. 1 second

2. 2 seconds

3. 3 seconds

4. 4 seconds

The correct answer is: 2 seconds

The correct answer is 2 seconds, which is the recommended following distance behind a motorcycle traveling at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. This distance is crucial for safety, as motorcycles can stop more quickly than larger vehicles, and maintaining a 2-second gap allows for an adequate buffer to react to sudden changes in traffic or emergencies. This following distance provides enough time for the driver to perceive any hazards, make decisions, and execute a safe response. Additionally, motorcycles are less stable and can maneuver around obstacles more readily than other vehicles, making it important for drivers to keep a safe distance in case the motorcycle needs to change speed or direction unexpectedly. In this context, the other options do not provide a safe enough following distance. One second may not allow enough time to react, and while 3 seconds or 4 seconds would increase safety further, they exceed the recommended distance necessary for maintaining a safe operation under typical conditions. Therefore, 2 seconds is identified as the ideal balance between safety and practicality when following a motorcycle at higher speeds.