When driving at 55 miles per hour, how many feet should you stay behind the vehicle ahead of you?

When driving at 55 miles per hour, it is recommended that you maintain a following distance of four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This distance translates to approximately 400 feet. Keeping this distance helps ensure that you have enough space to react in case the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or slows down. Proper following distance is critical for safe driving, allowing for adequate reaction time and reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.

At higher speeds, such as 55 miles per hour, the stopping distance increases significantly, making it all the more essential to maintain a larger gap. This practice is a fundamental aspect of defensive driving, emphasizing the importance of being aware of your surroundings and allowing for safe stopping distances.