On slippery expressways, what following distance is recommended?

• A. Turn on hazard lights
• B. Use cruise control
• C. Keep the same following distance
• D. Increase following distance to at least 4 seconds

Answer: (D)

On slippery roads you need more space ahead to account for reduced traction and longer stopping distances. A practical guideline is to increase your following distance to at least four seconds. To judge this, pick a fixed object ahead and count seconds as you pass it; you should still be four seconds behind the vehicle in front. This extra margin gives you time to brake smoothly or steer away if the vehicle ahead slows suddenly or starts to skid, reducing the risk of a rear-end collision.

Hazard lights don’t change how much distance you can safely need, and using cruise control can prevent you from adjusting quickly to slipping or braking conditions. Keeping the same distance as in normal conditions ignores the extra stopping distance required on slick pavement, which is why that choice isn’t safe.