The Washington Driver Guide recommends looking at least how many seconds ahead to avoid last-minute braking?

The Washington Driver Guide recommends looking at least how many seconds ahead to avoid last-minute braking?

• A. 5 seconds
• B. 10 seconds
• C. 20 seconds
• D. 15 seconds

Answer: (D)

Looking ahead about fifteen seconds gives you the time you need to spot and react to changes in traffic, signals, pedestrians, or other hazards before you reach them. With that lead time, you can slow gradually, adjust your speed smoothly, and communicate your intentions early, which helps prevent last‑minute braking that can surprise drivers behind you. Five or ten seconds often isn’t enough to handle unexpected events, especially in urban driving, while twenty seconds is more than the typical everyday minimum. Fifteen seconds is the practical guidance for staying ahead of hazards and keeping traffic flowing safely.

Looking ahead about fifteen seconds gives you the time you need to spot and react to changes in traffic, signals, pedestrians, or other hazards before you reach them. With that lead time, you can slow gradually, adjust your speed smoothly, and communicate your intentions early, which helps prevent last‑minute braking that can surprise drivers behind you. Five or ten seconds often isn’t enough to handle unexpected events, especially in urban driving, while twenty seconds is more than the typical everyday minimum. Fifteen seconds is the practical guidance for staying ahead of hazards and keeping traffic flowing safely.