Driver's License Test Prep
The Glossary · A–Z

Following distance

Also known as: gap distance, space cushion, trailing distance

The space between a vehicle and the one directly ahead, measured in seconds rather than feet. Pick a fixed roadside marker such as a sign post, count the seconds between the car ahead passing it and your own front bumper reaching it, then compare that count against the minimum this book sets for the state. Lengthen the gap in rain, snow, fog, or low light.

Where you'll see following distance on this site

Pages that reference this term so you can see it in context.

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