A 2-minute lesson from the New Mexico course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Good drivers are rarely surprised. By knowing well ahead of time when you'll have to stop, and by constantly scanning ahead, to the sides and behind, you avoid panic stops and last-second swerves.
Know the rule
Stopping suddenly is dangerous and usually means a driver wasn't paying attention. Hard braking can make you skid and makes it harder for drivers behind you to stop.
Two blocks ahead you notice brake lights and a delivery truck double-parked. Because you spotted it early, you ease off the gas and change lanes smoothly instead of braking hard at the last second.
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.
About how far ahead should safe drivers look while driving?
At least 10 seconds ahead
About 2 seconds ahead
About 30 seconds ahead
Only as far as their headlights reach
Answer: At least 10 seconds ahead
Safer drivers tend to look at least 10 seconds ahead of their vehicle.