What following distance is recommended for speeds between 46-70 mph?

The recommended following distance for speeds between 46-70 mph is 4 seconds. This guidance is rooted in the principle that as speed increases, the time it takes for a driver to react and stop their vehicle also increases. A 4-second following distance allows for a safer buffer zone, giving drivers enough time to react to sudden stops or emergencies that may occur on the roadway.

This distance accounts for factors such as road conditions, vehicle weight, and driver reaction time, all of which can be significantly affected by higher speeds. Maintaining a longer following distance at these speeds helps prevent rear-end collisions, which are more likely to occur if a driver is too close to the vehicle in front.

In contrast, shorter following distances, such as 2 seconds or 3 seconds, may not provide the necessary time to react adequately at higher speeds, increasing the risk of accidents. Thus, adhering to the 4-second guideline contributes to safer driving practices on faster roads.