Rhode Island Operator License Knowledge Exam Practice
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Passing target: 80% (24/30)
In town at 30 mph, you keep a gap of about 130 feet to the car ahead, which is about 3 seconds at that speed. On the highway at 60 mph, you keep the same 130 feet. What is the problem?
Two stacked road views show A following B with the same 130-foot gap. The upper view is labeled 30 mph and about 3 seconds; the lower view is labeled 60 mph without a time answer.
Correct answer: The gap is too short, because at 60 mph you cover 130 feet in about 1.5 seconds.
Why
A gap measured in time grows in feet as your speed goes up, and this is why Rhode Island teaches the 3-second rule and not a fixed number of feet. The average driver needs about 3/4 of a second to start braking, and at 60 mph the car moves about 66 feet in that time before the brakes work. Braking distance also grows quickly with speed, so a gap in feet that is safe in town is much too short on the highway.
Verified against Rhode Island Driver's Manual online version · Stopping Your Vehicle · p. 28, 50, 51
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