Following distance

By the end of this topic you can

• You can measure a three-second gap using a fixed roadside object.
• You can increase your gap at night, in the wet, on gravel and at higher speeds.
• You can keep a safe gap in slow and stop-start traffic.
• You can respond calmly to someone tailgating you.

What you need to know and understand

• The road rules require you to keep a distance that lets you stop safely if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.
• In good conditions most drivers need at least a three-second gap.
• Transport for NSW advises four seconds or more on wet, icy or unsealed roads and at night, and at least five seconds at higher speeds.
• Reaction time for an alert driver is around 1.5 seconds before the brakes are even touched.
• Long vehicles over 7.5 metres generally must keep at least 60 metres behind other long vehicles outside built-up areas.
• When stopped in traffic, leave enough space to see the rear tyres of the car ahead touching the road.

Counting your gap

1. Pick a fixed object ahead, like a pole, sign or shadow.
2. When the back of the vehicle in front passes it, start counting: one thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three.
3. If you reach the object before you finish, you are too close.
4. Ease off the accelerator and count again until the gap is right.

When three seconds is not enough

• Rain, wet roads and fog: tyres grip less and you see less.
• Gravel and dirt roads: braking takes much longer and stones fly up.
• Night driving: you see hazards later.
• Behind motorcycles and trucks: bikes can stop quickly, and trucks block your view ahead.
• Towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load.

Handling a tailgater

You cannot control the driver behind, but you can give yourself more time. Increase the gap in front so you can brake gently if needed. Keep left, keep your speed steady, and when it is safe, let them pass. Never brake suddenly to teach them a lesson. Remember that you are responsible for the gap in front of you, not the one behind, and a calm, steady driver is the hardest one to rear-end.

Common mistakes

• Closing the gap in heavy traffic: a gap still matters at 40 km/h.
• Forgetting to add time in the rain or at night.
• Letting someone cut into your gap and then not dropping back again.
• Stopping right on the bumper of the car ahead at lights, leaving no escape room.

Test yourself: Following distance

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.