I was at the DMV this summer helping a friend with some car stuff. While waiting, I re-read the Vermont driver’s handbook. You know the one – it is the guide that you study so you can pass your written test and know all of Vermont’s rules of the road.
Most things looked familiar but I was struck by one item that seemed a bit different than when I learned to drive. I was taught to keep three seconds between the car being driven and the vehicle ahead of you, or roughly a car length for every 10 mph. That was in ye olden days, though.
The newer rules say obey a four second rule. To do this, watch the vehicle ahead of you and when they pass something such as a mile marker or speed limit sign, count one, two, three, four… and then you should pass the same spot. If you get there before the count of four, you are driving too close.
I’ve been trying to adjust my driving ever since. In doing so I’ve noticed that not many drivers keep four seconds between them and the car ahead.
Give it a try. I feel like I’m leaving a bit too much space when I do it, but I’m also enjoying attempting to drive more safely. Drivers behind me often seem agitated that I’m leaving such a wide gap. I have been passed.
One other adjustment to driving that older drivers might not know about. If you were taught to put your hands at 10 and 2 o’clock on the steering wheel, well, that has changed, too. 9 and 3 o’clock are better.
Any Whys?
I began driving in 1975. It was 3 seconds and 10 and 2, drilled in by instructors. Were there any reasons given for the changes?
Me, three
I didn’t see any reasons given. I assume data has shown it to be safer.
My first car was a Chevy Impala. Huge gas guzzling engine, enormous trunk, and I think it could hold about 15 people. With that much weight we probably should have had about 10 seconds between vehicles. : )