A 2-minute lesson from the Georgia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Rear-end crashes come from following too closely. Leave enough space to stop safely if the car ahead suddenly slows or stops. Georgia's handbook uses a simple counting method, and more speed makes every crash worse.
Know the rule
When following another vehicle, you must leave enough distance to stop safely if it suddenly slows down or stops.
The car ahead passes a speed limit sign. You say "one-thousand-one" and you're already at the sign. You're too close; ease off, and leave even more room if it's night or raining.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What counting method can help you check your following distance behind another vehicle?
Measuring the distance with your speedometer reading
Estimating car lengths by eye only
Counting to ten after the vehicle ahead brakes
Count seconds past a fixed point
Answer: Count seconds past a fixed point
Watch a reference point and count seconds between when the vehicle ahead passes it and when you do, to check your following distance.
