What is the recommended following distance at highway speeds or when following motorcycles or semi-trucks?

The recommended following distance at highway speeds or when following motorcycles or semi-trucks is typically 6 seconds. This extended following distance is crucial for ensuring safety, as it provides adequate time for a driver to react to sudden changes in speed or direction, which can be more pronounced with larger vehicles like semi-trucks or smaller, more maneuverable vehicles like motorcycles.

At high speeds, the distance covered in a short time frame is significant, and having a 6-second gap allows for better visibility and time to assess the road and surrounding situations. It helps prevent rear-end collisions by giving a driver more time to react to braking vehicles or obstacles, especially when considering that larger vehicles require longer stopping distances. This is particularly important given that motorcycles are less visible and can stop much more quickly than cars, increasing the importance of generous following distances.

In contrast, shorter following distances may not adequately account for the potential hazards presented by variable traffic conditions or the speed of the vehicles involved.