What distance should be maintained when following another heavy vehicle?

Maintaining a following distance of 5 seconds when driving behind another heavy vehicle is crucial for safety. This distance allows enough time to react in various situations, such as sudden stops or emergencies. Heavy vehicles require a longer stopping distance due to their weight and size; therefore, a 5-second gap ensures that the driver has adequate space to brake safely without the risk of collision.

A practical way to measure this distance is by using a fixed point on the road. When the vehicle in front passes the marker, the driver should wait for approximately 5 seconds before reaching the same point. This helps maintain a safe distance that can accommodate the increased stopping distance required for heavy trucks.

Shorter following distances, like 3 seconds or 1 second, significantly reduce reaction time and increase the likelihood of accidents, especially at high speeds or in adverse weather conditions. Keeping a 10-second gap may be excessive in many driving situations, but it can be beneficial in specific scenarios, such as when navigating on slippery roads or heavy traffic with a high volume of vehicles. Thus, 5 seconds strikes a balance between safety and practicality in most driving conditions involving heavy vehicles.