Texas Driver's License Knowledge TestSafe Driving PracticesEasy
A driver is following another vehicle on a dry road. The vehicle ahead suddenly stops. To react safely, how many seconds of following distance should the driver maintain under normal conditions?
- A1 second
- B4 seconds
- C3 seconds
- D2 seconds
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 3 seconds
The Texas Driver Handbook recommends a minimum of a three-second following distance under ideal driving conditions. This provides enough time to react and stop safely if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 1 second is far too short and does not allow adequate reaction time.
- B. 4 seconds is a good distance, especially in less than ideal conditions, but 3 seconds is the minimum for normal conditions.
- D. 2 seconds is insufficient for most drivers to react and stop safely.
Three-Second Rule
The three-second rule is a guideline for maintaining a safe following distance. A driver should count three seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object until their own vehicle passes the same object.
- Minimum for ideal conditions.
- Increases reaction time.
- Provides stopping distance.
Memory trick: Three seconds to see, react, and be free!