On the A20 near Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel it starts to rain hard. You are driving an empty car without a trailer behind a van. Which following distance is the guideline here?
- About 4 seconds: in rain you double the usual 2 seconds
- ✓ About 3 seconds: the rain alone is already a reason for more distance
- About 2 seconds: 3 seconds applies only with a load or a caravan
Correct answer: About 3 seconds: the rain alone is already a reason for more distance
Explanation
False — you think only a load counts. Rain, snow and fog are each on their own a reason for 3 seconds, just like a heavily loaded vehicle or a trailer or caravan
Why learners get this wrong
- Wrong: you double the margin. In rain, snow or fog the guideline is a larger following distance of 3 seconds: one and a half times the usual 2 seconds, not a doubling to 4
- Wrong: you think only a load counts. Rain, snow and fog are each on their own a reason for 3 seconds, just like a heavily loaded vehicle or a trailer or caravan
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