Washington State Driver's License Written Practice Test

Maintaining a safe stopping distance is crucial for avoiding rear-end collisions and ensuring sufficient time to react to the vehicle in front of you. The recommended following distance is generally considered to be at least a four-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. This four-second rule allows for appropriate time to react and stop safely in various conditions, including adverse weather or abrupt stops from the vehicle in front.

This distance is calculated by selecting a stationary object on the side of the road and counting the seconds it takes for your vehicle to reach that object after the vehicle ahead passes it. If you reach the object in four seconds or more, you are maintaining a safe distance. This margin provides ample reaction time and is particularly important on highways and during inclement weather when stopping distances may increase due to traction issues.

Longer gaps may be warranted in certain situations, such as when driving large vehicles, in heavy traffic, or during poor weather conditions, but the four-second rule serves as a solid baseline for safe following distance in normal circumstances.