The most common truck following distance guideline, recommended by the National Safety Council, is the 6 second plus rule. In ideal conditions maintain at least a 6 second cushion.
Add 1 second for each additional factor:
- Darkness
- Fog
- Rain
- Ice & Snow
- Fatigue
- Ideal conditions = 6 seconds
- 6 seconds + Rain = 7 seconds
- 6 seconds + Fog + Darkness = 8 seconds
Increasing following distance will give you time and space to react to other drivers. Maintain a cushion of safety in order to protect yourself and others on the road.
