BMV Speed Limits and Following Distance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving in a construction zone with workers present, what should you typically do with your speed?
- Maintain your current speed to avoid disrupting traffic flow
- Reduce speed and obey posted reduced speed limit signs (Correct answer)
- Speed up to pass through quickly
- Slow to 10 mph regardless of posted signs
Correct answer: Reduce speed and obey posted reduced speed limit signs
Construction zones post reduced speed limits to protect workers, and fines are often doubled for violations there.
Question 2: What is the maximum speed limit typically posted in a school zone when children are present and the school zone is active?
- 10 mph
- 15 mph (Correct answer)
- 25 mph
- 30 mph
Correct answer: 15 mph
Many states post 15 mph in active school zones, though 25 mph is common depending on the state.
Question 3: Which factor does NOT affect a safe following distance?
- Road conditions
- Vehicle speed
- Color of the vehicle ahead (Correct answer)
- Driver reaction time
Correct answer: Color of the vehicle ahead
The color of the vehicle ahead has no bearing on stopping distance or reaction time.
Question 4: At highway speeds (65–70 mph), experts recommend increasing your following distance to at least how many seconds?
- 2 seconds
- 3 seconds (Correct answer)
- 4 seconds
- 6 seconds
Correct answer: 3 seconds
At highway speeds, a 3-second minimum following distance is recommended because stopping distances are much greater.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the 'three-second rule' in adverse weather?
- To time traffic light changes
- To ensure enough braking distance in reduced traction conditions (Correct answer)
- To calculate fuel economy at slow speeds
- To determine when to use high-beam headlights
Correct answer: To ensure enough braking distance in reduced traction conditions
The three-second rule in adverse weather gives extra braking distance because wet, icy, or slippery roads reduce tire grip.
Question 6: Speeding through a residential neighborhood is particularly dangerous because:
- Residential roads have no lane markings
- Pedestrians, children, and pets may enter the road unexpectedly (Correct answer)
- Traffic signals are absent in most neighborhoods
- Speed limits there are advisory only
Correct answer: Pedestrians, children, and pets may enter the road unexpectedly
Residential areas have high pedestrian activity and limited sight lines, making unexpected entry onto the road likely.
Question 7: A driver is traveling at 30 mph. Approximately how many feet will the vehicle travel during the driver's average reaction time of 1.5 seconds before braking begins?
- 22 feet
- 33 feet
- 66 feet (Correct answer)
- 88 feet
Correct answer: 66 feet
At 30 mph (44 ft/sec), in 1.5 seconds the car travels about 66 feet before the brakes are even applied.
BMV Speed Limits and Following Distance 2
When driving in a construction zone with workers present, what should you typically do with your speed?