Roadwise States West Virginia Driving lessons Following distance, lane changes and tailgaters West Virginia driving lesson · Rules of the Road
Following distance, lane changes and tailgaters A 3-minute lesson from the West Virginia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Rules of the Road
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 9, 57, 58, 61, 76 The space ahead of you is the easiest space to control. Following too closely causes most rear-end collisions, so keep a time gap you can count, and stretch it when conditions get worse.
Following distance The space cushion between your vehicle and the vehicle directly ahead.
Handbook p. 9 ↗ Know the rule
Following too closely causes most rear-end collisions. Leave enough distance to stop in an emergency, based on traffic speed and road condition.
Handbook p. 57 ↗ Using the three-to-four second rule: Pick a fixed object ahead, such as a signpost, tree, overpass or bridge abutment When the vehicle ahead passes it, count "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three" If you reach the object before you finish "one thousand three," you're too close Handbook p. 57 ↗ Changing lanes: Check your rear view and side mirrors Look over your shoulder (head check) for anyone in your blind spot Watch for other drivers moving into the same lane Signal, then change lanes, staying within the speed limit Handbook p. 58 ↗ Know the rule
Do NOT change lanes in an intersection or at a railroad crossing.
Handbook p. 58 ↗ If someone is tailgating you: Tap your brakes gently to flash the brake lights Slow down to encourage the driver to pass If all else fails, pull over, stop and let them pass Handbook p. 61 ↗ Know the rule
Signal whenever you change your driving pattern; slowing or stopping suddenly affects the tailgater behind you.
Handbook p. 76 ↗ Put it into practice
It's raining at dusk. The car ahead passes an overpass pillar and you count "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three" and reach it. That's only three seconds. In rain or darkness you need at least four, so ease off.
A useful reminder 3–4 seconds normally, 4 in dark or rain, 6 on ice or snow.
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.
In normal daylight conditions, how many seconds of following distance does the three-to-four second rule recommend? Three to four seconds One to two seconds Five to six seconds Eight to ten seconds Answer: Three to four seconds
The three-to-four second rule is the standard for maintaining a safe following distance in normal conditions.
Handbook p. 57 ↗ How many seconds of following distance are recommended at night or in the rain? At least two seconds At least four seconds At least six seconds At least three seconds Answer: At least four seconds
Dark or rainy conditions call for at least a four-second following distance.
Handbook p. 57 ↗ How many seconds of following distance are recommended on ice or snow? At least six seconds At least four seconds At least three seconds At least eight seconds Answer: At least six seconds
On ice or snow, you should stay at least six seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
Handbook p. 57 ↗ To use the three-to-four second rule, what should you do when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object? Start counting until you reach the same object Immediately apply your brakes as a test Flash your headlights at the vehicle ahead Change lanes to create separation Answer: Start counting until you reach the same object
You count from when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object until you reach that same object.
Handbook p. 57 ↗ Where are you prohibited from changing lanes? On any two-lane rural road Within a business district In an intersection or at a railroad crossing On any road posted for 55 mph or less Answer: In an intersection or at a railroad crossing
Changing lanes is specifically prohibited in an intersection or at a railroad crossing.
Handbook p. 58 ↗ The space cushion beside your vehicle is called the following distance. True False Answer: False
Following distance is the space cushion between your vehicle and the vehicle directly ahead of you.
Handbook p. 57 ↗ Previous lesson Angle, hill and parallel parking Next lesson Passing and being passed More in Rules of the Road About the source Roadwise’s West Virginia course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 9, 57, 58, 61, 76. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check West Virginia’s DMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.