How can you measure your following distance in seconds while driving in Oregon?
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A.
Count the seconds it takes the vehicle ahead to pass between two fixed objects.
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B.
After your vehicle passes a sign or pole, count the seconds until the driver behind you reaches it.
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C.
Count the seconds from when the driver ahead brakes until you begin braking.
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D.
Count the seconds from when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object until you reach that spot. Correct
The answer is "Count the seconds from when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object until you reach that spot."
Watch for when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object, such as a sign or pole. Then count the seconds it takes you to reach the same spot. If you pass the mark before finishing at least two seconds, you are following too closely. Increase the space and count again at another spot until you are no closer than two seconds behind. Answer A carries over a stopwatch method that times the lead vehicle between two roadside points, when the count runs on your own travel to the single spot its rear just passed.
The traps in the wrong answers
A. Count the seconds it takes the vehicle ahead to pass between two fixed objects.
This measures the other vehicle's travel time between two points, not the gap between you and it. The count measures how long you take to reach the single spot the vehicle ahead just passed. This answer measures the lead vehicle's travel between two roadside objects instead of your own travel time to the one spot its rear passed.
B. After your vehicle passes a sign or pole, count the seconds until the driver behind you reaches it.
That times the gap behind you, not your following distance. Following distance is the space between you and the vehicle ahead. The manual's count tracks the vehicle in front: its rear passes the object first, then you count the seconds until you reach the same spot. This answer applies the timing count to the vehicle behind you; the manual's count starts when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes the object and ends when you reach it.
C. Count the seconds from when the driver ahead brakes until you begin braking.
That measures your reaction time, not your following distance. The manual's count runs from a fixed roadside object to your own arrival at that object; braking plays no part in the measurement. This answer replaces the fixed-object count with a brake-to-brake reaction count; the manual's count starts at a sign or pole, not at the lead driver's brake lights.
This question tests your knowledge of Defensive Driving in Oregon. Source: Oregon Driver Manual, "Following Distance," p.27..
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