North Dakota driving lesson · Passing, Lane Changes & Following Distance
Following & stopping distance
A 3-minute lesson from the North Dakota course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
If you drive too fast or follow too closely, you won't have time to stop in an emergency. The three-second rule gives you a safety cushion, and some situations call for even more space.
300 feet
Approximate stopping distance at 55 mph on dry pavement, about one city block
Leave enough room behind the vehicle ahead for a passing vehicle to move into that space safely. If the vehicle ahead stops suddenly, you should be far enough back to stop safely.
You're pulling a boat trailer at 55 mph. Three seconds isn't enough here. Leave four seconds or more, because the extra weight lengthens the distance you need to stop.
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.
At 55 miles per hour on dry pavement, about how far does it take to stop?
500 feet
100 feet
300 feet
150 feet
Answer: 300 feet
At 55 mph, it takes approximately 300 feet, or about one city block, to stop on dry pavement.
When should you increase your following distance to four seconds or more?
Only in heavy traffic
Only on the Interstate
Only in city traffic
When the roads are slippery or you are following a motorcycle
Answer: When the roads are slippery or you are following a motorcycle
You need more following distance, four or more seconds, on slippery roads, following motorcycles, hauling a heavy load, or behind vehicles that block your view.
