Arizona Drivers Permit Pactice Exam

How much space should you leave between your vehicle and the one directly in front of you?

1. At least one car length

2. Enough for a sudden stop

3. No less than 5 feet

4. One second gap at any speed

The correct answer is: Enough for a sudden stop

Leaving enough space for a sudden stop is crucial for safe driving. This principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sufficient following distance to allow for quick reactions should the vehicle in front of you come to an abrupt halt. In practice, this means you should keep a distance that gives you adequate time to brake without colliding with the vehicle ahead, taking into account factors like speed, road conditions, and weather. This distance should be flexible based on driving conditions; for instance, wet or icy roads require additional space compared to dry conditions. Following the guideline of leaving enough room for a sudden stop helps prevent rear-end collisions, which are common when drivers do not maintain appropriate distances. While a car length might seem like a logical measure, it does not account for varying speeds or stopping capabilities of different vehicles. A fixed distance such as five feet is often impractical, especially at higher speeds. The one-second gap suggestion is valuable, but it may not provide sufficient space during unexpected situations, particularly at higher speeds where stopping distances increase. Prioritizing enough space for sudden stops is the safest approach.