Keep a Space Cushion
- At intersections where everyone is waiting for the light or for their turn at the stop sign;
- On the highway where tailgaters may follow too close;
- On multilane roadways where other vehicles (especially large ones) may drive right beside you;
- When merging and other vehicles may not allow enough space
What is a space cushion and why is it important?
- Defensive Driving What is a Space Cushion? A space cushion is certain amount of distance you keep between you and the car in front of you that allows you to easily maneuver in any condition. A typical space cushion in perfect conditions would be about 3 seconds between you and the car in front of you.
How to maintain a space cushion when driving?
Let’s review how to maintain a space cushion. If all conditions are perfect, keep three seconds between you and the vehicle ahead of you. When the car or truck ahead of you passes a certain point, Count three seconds.
Where is the best place to put a cushion in a car?
Only in back of your vehicle. Only on the left and right sides of your vehicle. Only in front of the vehicle. On all sides of the vehicle. To ensure that you will have time to react to hazards on the roadway, it is best to keep a cushion of space on all sides of your vehicle.
How do you create a space cushion?
The easiest way to create a space cushion is to follow the 3 second rule. This is the most common rule for California following distance. When you are driving on a roadway, pick an object like a bridge or streetlight.
Where do you keep space cushions?
This extra space will help you move or maneuver in case of an emergency or hazardous situation. If you do not have an adequate space cushion on all sides, you must be extra alert. When driving in congested traffic, try to maintain a space cushion in the front and on at least one side.
Is best to keep a space cushion?
Make sure there is at least a 3-second space cushion between you and the car in front of you. For less than perfect weather conditions, keep a 4 – 5 second space cushion between you and the car in front of you.
What is the most important zone for a space cushion?
On a three-lane road, the best lane for optimal opportunity to create a safe space cushion between all vehicles in the center lane. This gives a maximum view of the entire road if you maintain at least a 3-5 second space cushion (or half a car length) between you and the car in front of you.
What is the reason for a space cushion?
Space cushions at stops or in traffic The best way to prevent a multi-vehicle crash is by leaving a large enough gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. This protects the person in front of you and ultimately protects you from causing too damage to your car and reduces injuries.
What is the 4 second rule?
A 4-second following distance, as shown above in Area 1 of the space-management diagram, will allow you to steer or brake to avoid a hazard safely on the highway, if the pavement is dry. If you are following too closely and the vehicle ahead of you stops or slows suddenly, you will not be able to avoid a crash.
What is the 4/6 second range?
The 4-6 second range is the space you will travel during the next 4-6 seconds. The area you can see clearly and sharply is seen with your central vision. The area you can see to the left and right of central vision is your side vision, or peripheral vision.
How do you avoid being boxed in on a freeway?
Aim High in Steering.Get the Big Picture.Keep Your Eyes Moving.Leave Yourself an Out.Make Sure They See You.Aim High in Steering. • Repeated glances well ahead at the center.Get the Big Picture. • As you move into traffic you are.Keep Your Eyes Moving. • Eye movement is the key to getting and keeping.More items...
Can you use a cushion while driving?
Vision: Make sure that if you're sitting on a pillow, you can still the road. Pedals: Ensure the pillow you're sitting on doesn't interfere with your ability to press the car's gas and brake pedals. Safety: Your seatbelt must be able to fit snugly and securely around you if you're on a pillow.
Should you try to keep a space cushion around your vehicle?
0:001:28How to maintain a space cushion around your vehicle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne way to make freeway driving safer is to keep what some call a space cushion. Around your car.MoreOne way to make freeway driving safer is to keep what some call a space cushion. Around your car.
What is the benefit of a space cushion around your vehicle?
A space cushion around your vehicle gives your room to react safely to potential hazards. A proper space cushion includes: Space in front of your vehicles, which you can control by not following other vehicles too closely. The 2 or 3 second rule is a good minimum following distance to practice.
Which part of the space cushion is easiest to control?
Keeping an adequate distance between us and the vehicle in front of us is the easiest part of our space cushion to control. The National Safety Council (NSC) recommends following the 3-second rule; allowing a minimum of 3 seconds of travel between our vehicle and the vehicle we are behind.
When establishing a space cushion around you you should follow the __ second rule?
Create a space cushion around your vehicle by staying in the middle of your lane. Make sure there is enough room ahead of your vehicle and behind it for other vehicles to pass or stop safely. Use the two-, three- and four-second rule to determine if you are following far enough behind the vehicle ahead of you.
What is a space cushion?
A space cushion can also be referred to as a buffer zone, positioning, or a cushion length.
What is front end space cushion?
The objective of a front-end space cushion between you and other vehicles is for you to maintain a comfortable view of everything you are observing straight ahead as you drive. This means being able to see not only the entire back of the car directly in front of you all the way down to the tires but to also be able to view the cars on both sides ...
What is the best lane for optimal opportunity to create a safe space cushion between all vehicles in the center lane
On a three-lane road, the best lane for optimal opportunity to create a safe space cushion between all vehicles in the center lane. This gives a maximum view of the entire road if you maintain at least a 3-5 second space cushion (or half a car length) between you and the car in front of you.
Benefits of Space Cushions
A space cushion is empty space between yourself and another vehicle. You must create it by following safe driving practices. You can create one in the city and on rural roads.
The 3 Second Rule
The easiest way to create a space cushion is to follow the 3 second rule. This is the most common rule for California following distance.
Vehicle Positioning Tips
Besides the 3 second rule, there are additional tips you can follow for positioning your vehicle. You should create cushions on all sides of your car, so you should familiarize yourself with positioning tips for all sections.
Learn How to Make a Space Cushion
Even a low-speed accident can cause whiplash or other severe injuries. A space cushion can save your life.
