WHAT IS A SPACE CUSHION?
A space cushion provides the driver time to identify a hazard and implement the necessary
driving response. The appropriate space cushion should be maintained in all driving situations
to allow the driver time to respond to changing traffic situation.
WHAT IS AN APPROPRIATE SPACE CUSHION?
HOW DO I MEASURE A SPACE CUSHION?
HOW CAN I MAINTAIN A SPACE CUSHION?
Follow these easy tips and be less frustrated, more relaxed and reduce the potential for “rear-end” accidents when driving!
A space cushion provides the driver time to identify a hazard and implement the necessary
driving response. The appropriate space cushion should be maintained in all driving situations
to allow the driver time to respond to changing traffic situation.
WHAT IS AN APPROPRIATE SPACE CUSHION?
- A car or van needs a 3 second space cushion
- A bus or truck needs 4 seconds
- A tractor-trailer needs 5 seconds
- For a speed of travel over 40 mph, add 1 second to the above rules
- For adverse driving conditions, add 1 additional second
HOW DO I MEASURE A SPACE CUSHION?
- When the vehicle ahead of you passes a fixed object (tree, sign pole, etc.) on the side of the road start counting--one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, etc.
- If you pass the fixed object before you finish counting to the appropriate number, you are following too closely and need to increase the space cushion.
HOW CAN I MAINTAIN A SPACE CUSHION?
- Leave a few minutes early – then you can back off, slow down and still arrive on time!
- Get in the habit - follow at a proper distance!
Follow these easy tips and be less frustrated, more relaxed and reduce the potential for “rear-end” accidents when driving!