Under good conditions, how much space should a 40-foot vehicle maintain at 35 mph from the vehicle ahead?

Maintaining a following distance of four seconds from the vehicle ahead is crucial for safety, especially when driving a larger vehicle such as a 40-foot truck. This time interval allows for adequate reaction time in case the vehicle in front suddenly stops or slows down.

At higher speeds, the distance covered per second increases, therefore giving yourself four seconds ensures that you have more than enough space to react safely. The four-second rule is a widely accepted guideline for heavy vehicles, taking into account their longer stopping distances compared to standard passenger vehicles.

Maintaining a safe following distance helps in preventing collisions and gives the driver additional time to assess situations on the road, such as obstacles, traffic signals, or sudden changes in traffic flow. This practice contributes to overall road safety, especially for larger vehicles that require more time and distance to stop.