You are driving a 40-foot long vehicle at 25 mph. What is the proper safe following distance?

The correct following distance when driving a 40-foot long vehicle at 25 mph is indeed 2 seconds. This standard is based on the need for adequate reaction time and stopping distance, which are critical for larger vehicles. The rule of thumb for safe following distance is to maintain at least one second of distance for every ten feet of vehicle length when traveling up to 40 mph.

Since the vehicle in question is 40 feet long and traveling at a relatively low speed of 25 mph, a 2-second following distance will provide enough time to react to sudden stops or emergencies without compromising safety. Larger vehicles require more time to stop compared to smaller ones, making it essential to allow for extra space between the two vehicles.

Choosing a following distance shorter than 2 seconds could significantly increase the risk of a rear-end collision, particularly for a 40-foot long vehicle that requires more distance to come to a complete stop. Thus, maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for effective driving and ensuring safety on the road.