Arizona Driving Permit Written Practice Test

What is a safe following distance under normal conditions?

1. 2-3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you

2. 1 second behind the vehicle in front of you

3. 4-5 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you

4. Immediately behind the vehicle in front of you

The correct answer is: 2-3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you

A safe following distance under normal driving conditions is typically recommended to be 2-3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This allow for enough time to react if the car ahead suddenly slows down or stops, which is crucial for maintaining safety on the road. A following distance of 2-3 seconds provides a buffer that considers a variety of factors such as your speed, road conditions, and the reaction time of other drivers. In contrast, a 1-second following distance may not provide sufficient time to react to sudden stops or emergencies, which can increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Following immediately behind another vehicle does not allow for any reaction time at all, making it a dangerous practice. Additionally, a follow distance of 4-5 seconds, while providing more space, can be excessive under normal conditions, where 2-3 seconds is generally adequate for safety without disrupting the flow of traffic.