Near Bodegraven you are driving without a trailer and without a heavy load, but it is snowing lightly. What following distance do you keep?
- ✓ 3 seconds, because snow on its own is reason enough
- 2 seconds, because 3 is only for a trailer or a heavy load
- 4 seconds, because in snow you double the normal distance
Correct answer: 3 seconds, because snow on its own is reason enough
Explanation
False — you think only load counts. Rain, snow and fog are each on their own a reason for 3 seconds, even without a trailer or heavy load.
Why learners get this wrong
- Wrong: you think only load counts. Rain, snow and fog are each on their own a reason for 3 seconds, even without a trailer or heavy load.
- Wrong: you double the margin. In difficult conditions such as snow you go from 2 to 3 seconds: one and a half times as much, not a doubling to 4.
Topic: 3-second rule: greater following distance in rain, snow, fog and heavy loads
Read the rule: Core: 3-second rule: greater following distance in rain, snow, fog and heavy loads
Sections
- Challenge: 3-second rule: greater following distance in rain, snow, fog and heavy loads
- The model: 3-second rule: greater following distance in rain, snow, fog and heavy loads
- Core: 3-second rule: greater following distance in rain, snow, fog and heavy loads
- Why it matters: 3-second rule: greater following distance in rain, snow, fog and heavy loads
- Active recall: 3-second rule: greater following distance in rain, snow, fog and heavy loads
- Teach back: 3-second rule: greater following distance in rain, snow, fog and heavy loads
- Memory hook: 3-second rule: greater following distance in rain, snow, fog and heavy loads