When driving a 30ft vehicle at 55mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?

When driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, allowing for 4 seconds of following distance is crucial for safety and control of the vehicle. This distance provides adequate time to react to any sudden stops or emergencies from the vehicle in front. The 4-second rule is especially important for larger vehicles, which require more time to stop due to their weight and size.

At 55 mph, a vehicle is traveling at approximately 80 feet per second. Therefore, maintaining a 4-second following distance implies a space of about 320 feet between your vehicle and the one ahead. This substantial distance helps ensure better visibility, time to react, and the ability to stop safely without colliding into the vehicle in front.

The other options reflect shorter time frames that may not be sufficient, especially for a larger vehicle. This could lead to potential hazards if the vehicle in front has to stop suddenly. The 4-second rule is a safe practice for defensive driving, particularly in larger vehicles.