A 3-minute lesson from the Louisiana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Look far enough ahead that nothing surprises you. A common mistake is looking just in front of the hood. Looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead gives you time to prepare, keeps your path steady, and helps the drivers behind you too.
10-15 seconds
How far ahead to look to prepare for traffic conditions
Look ahead for vehicles entering the road or your lane, turning vehicles and brake lights. A light that has been green a long time may change before you get there, so start slowing and be ready to stop.
At 60 mph, if you can't see at least 400 feet ahead, you are driving too fast for your visibility. At 30 mph, if you can't see 150 feet ahead, you may not be driving safely.
Fog on the highway lets you see only about 250 feet ahead, and you're doing 60 mph. At that speed you need about 359 feet to react and stop. Slow down until you can stop within the distance you can see.
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.
On the highway, about how far ahead should you be looking?
At least a quarter of a mile
About one car length
About 50 feet
About one block
Answer: At least a quarter of a mile
Highway driving calls for looking at least a quarter mile ahead.