RTT Speed, Stopping Distances & Following Distance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At 60 mph, approximately how many feet does a motorcycle travel each second?
- 44 feet
- 66 feet
- 88 feet (Correct answer)
- 110 feet
Correct answer: 88 feet
At 60 mph a vehicle covers 88 feet per second, which is why speed dramatically affects the distance needed to stop.
Question 2: How does doubling your speed affect your braking distance?
- It doubles the braking distance
- It triples the braking distance
- It quadruples the braking distance (Correct answer)
- It has little effect on braking distance
Correct answer: It quadruples the braking distance
Braking distance increases with the square of speed, so doubling speed quadruples the distance needed to stop.
Question 3: What is the minimum recommended following distance for motorcyclists under normal conditions?
- One second
- Two seconds (Correct answer)
- Three seconds
- Four seconds
Correct answer: Two seconds
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) recommends a minimum two-second following distance under normal, dry conditions.
Question 4: On wet or slippery roads, how should you adjust your following distance?
- Keep the same two-second gap
- Reduce to one second for quicker reaction
- Increase to at least three or four seconds (Correct answer)
- Only increase distance on gravel
Correct answer: Increase to at least three or four seconds
Wet surfaces significantly increase stopping distances, so a three- to four-second gap is needed to maintain a safety margin.
Question 5: Approximately how far does a motorcycle travel before stopping from 30 mph, including reaction time?
- About 40 feet
- About 75 feet (Correct answer)
- About 120 feet
- About 180 feet
Correct answer: About 75 feet
At 30 mph, reaction distance is roughly 30 feet and braking distance is about 45 feet, totaling approximately 75 feet.
Question 6: Which factor does NOT directly increase a motorcycle's stopping distance?
- Higher speed
- Worn tires
- Heavier load on the bike
- Riding in the left lane position (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Riding in the left lane position
Lane position is a strategic choice that doesn't affect the physical mechanics of braking distance; speed, tire condition, and load all do.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of maintaining a proper following distance on a motorcycle?
- To allow other vehicles to merge in front of you
- To give yourself time to identify and react to hazards (Correct answer)
- To maintain legal compliance in all states
- To reduce wind turbulence from the vehicle ahead
Correct answer: To give yourself time to identify and react to hazards
A proper following distance gives you time to perceive a hazard and apply the brakes before reaching the danger point.
RTT Speed, Stopping Distances & Following Distance 1
At 60 mph, approximately how many feet does a motorcycle travel each second?