Four second following situations — Delaware Permit Test

Delaware's manual says that on slippery roads you may need a four-second following distance, because you need more distance to stop.

On a wet or icy road the car slides farther before it stops, so a normal gap ends against the bumper ahead.

In the following situations, you may need a four-second following distance to be safe.

When the driver behind you wants to pass, Delaware's manual says to slow down to allow room in front of your vehicle, which also lets the pass finish sooner.

With no gap in front of you, a passing driver has nowhere to cut back in when an oncoming car appears.

Slow down to allow room in front of your vehicle.

Delaware's manual says to leave more space ahead when you have a heavy load or are pulling a trailer, because the extra weight increases your stopping distance.

A loaded car or one towing a trailer keeps rolling well past the point where an empty car would stop.

The extra weight increases your stopping distance.

Delaware's manual says to leave extra space when stopped behind another vehicle on a hill or incline, because it may roll back when it starts up.

A car that slips back a few feet as it pulls away can land on the bumper of a driver stopped too close.

Leave extra space when stopped on a hill or incline.

If you are being followed closely, Delaware's manual says to make extra space ahead of you, so you can stop without being hit from behind.

With a tailgater behind and no room ahead, any sudden stop puts the tailgater into your trunk.

If you are being followed closely, you should try and make extra space.

On slippery roads, what following distance may you need to be safe?

4 seconds. On a wet or icy road the car slides farther before it stops, so a normal gap ends against the bumper ahead. Delaware Driver Manual, p.128: “In the following situations, you may need a four-second following distance to be safe.”