Following distance four second situations — New Mexico Permit Test

On slippery roads you may need a four-second following distance to be safe.

On ice, snow or wet roads your tires grip less, so it takes longer to stop and you need more room ahead.

For example, you may need a four second following distance to be safe; (1) on slippery roads,

You may need a four-second following distance when following a motorcycle.

A motorcycle can stop faster than a car, so a car close behind it may not stop in time.

(2) when following motorcycles,

When you have a heavy load or are pulling a trailer, you may need a four-second following distance.

Extra weight behind or inside your car makes it slower to stop, so you need more space in front.

(3) when you have a heavy load or are pulling a trailer,

You may need a four-second following distance when following emergency vehicles, when approaching railroad crossings, or when stopped on a hill or incline.

These are places where the car ahead may stop short or roll back, so a bigger gap keeps you from hitting it.

(4) when following emergency vehicles, (5) when approaching railroad crossings or, (6) when stopped on a hill or incline.

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

4 seconds. On ice, snow or wet roads your tires grip less, so it takes longer to stop and you need more room ahead. New Mexico Driver Manual, p.24: “For example, you may need a four second following distance to be safe; (1) on slippery roads,”