Safe Motor Vehicle Operation and Procedures, Part 3
Question 1: Describe three situations when you want to allow more space than normal between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Answer 1: At regular road speeds it is safe to follow two to three seconds behind a vehicle. At highway speeds it is safer to allow four seconds. The following are three common situations when you should allow more space between you and the vehicle ahead of you.When roads are slippery, you will need more time to stop your vehicle. Allow extra distance between you and the car ahead of you to allow ample time to react and stop should it be necessary.When the car behind you wishes to pass you, it is courteous and safer to slow down and make room between you and the vehicle in front of you. This makes it so the passing driver will be able to move safely back into the proper lane. When visibility is poor due to fog, rain, snow, or darkness, it is prudent to follow more distantly and allow for more stopping time.
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Question 2: Name three vehicles that require you to follow at a greater distance and explain why.
Answer 2: Emergency vehicles: These vehicles require more space to maneuver and may be required to act in unpredictable ways. Allow at least 500 feet when following an emergency vehicle.Large vehicles with limited backward visibility: Drivers of trucks, buses, and campers cannot see you if you follow them too closely. A rule of thumb is that you should be able to see their side-view mirrors; that means they can see you. Following at a distance will also improve your view of the road ahead. Motorcycles: If a motorcycle tips over, the driver is at great risk of being run over and seriously injured. By increasing your following distance, you can help minimize the chance you will hit the motorcycle driver should he lose control.
Question 3: Describe general guidelines for maintaining safe space on either side of a vehicle.
Answer 3: Maintaining a safe space on either side of your vehicle makes safe turning and safe lane changes possible. Driving to the side of large vehicles on multi-lane roads is dangerous. Semi-trucks, buses, and campers all have a large blind spot to the side; you create a hazard by maintaining a steady speed in their blind spot. Either speed up or slow down so that you are in front of or behind that vehicle. Use caution when passing bicyclists, emergency vehicles, or people walking. Give them as much space as you safely can. Be mindful of parked vehicles as people may exit them or step out from between them. Whenever possible, you should pull into the inside lane to allow extra space in these situations.
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