When driving a 62-foot double trailer combination at 35 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you maintain?

Maintaining a proper following distance is crucial for safe driving, especially when operating a long combination vehicle like a 62-foot double trailer. The recommended following distance for such vehicles, particularly when traveling at lower speeds, is typically greater than that for standard vehicles to ensure adequate time to react to changing road conditions.

At a speed of 35 mph, a following distance of 6 seconds is appropriate. The rationale behind this timing is that it allows enough space to react to sudden stops or emergencies while accounting for the longer stopping distance required by larger combinations due to their weight and size. A 6-second gap provides additional time for the driver to observe and respond to the actions of vehicles in front, which is especially important when towing doubles, as they require more distance to brake effectively.

This guideline emphasizes the importance of being cautious and maintaining a buffer zone that allows for safe maneuvering in busy traffic conditions, making 6 seconds a sound practice in this scenario.