What is a Space Cushion?

A space cushion is certain amount of distance you keep between you and the car in front of you that allows you to easily maneuver in any condition. A typical space cushion in perfect conditions would be about 3 seconds between you and the car in front of you.

sample02

Quick Tips

  • Make sure there is at least a 3-second space cushion between you and the car in front of you.
  • For less than perfect weather conditions, keep a 4 – 5 second space cushion between you and the car in front of you.
  • If another driver cuts in front of you into your space cushion, just ease your foot off the gas pedal and slow down until you once again have a safe distance between you and the other car.

One way to make freeway driving safer is to keep what some call a space cushion around your car. Let’s review how to maintain a space cushion. If all conditions are perfect, keep three seconds between you and the vehicle ahead of you. When the car or truck ahead of you passes a certain point, Count three seconds. If you finish counting before you get to the point you selected that means you have an appropriate amount of space between your car and the one ahead. If you pass the point before counting to three then that would mean you were following too close and would have to back off a bit.

Add one additional second for any condition that is less than perfect. That can include heavy traffic, not feeling well, or other distractions. Add two additional seconds to your space cushion if it is raining or snowing. Rain and snow reduce both visibility and traction. If another driver cuts in front of you into your space cushion, just ease your foot off the gas pedal and slow down until you once again have a safe distance between you and the other car.

So whether you’re on a freeway in downtown traffic or out in the country, the key is to be alert so you can adapt to whatever unique circumstances you might be driving in.


Customer Reviews

Defensivedriving.com has a ShopperApproved rating of 4.7 based on 124699 ratings and reviews.

Miguel Santiago TX, United States
Great experience and easy
Kari Blalock united states
No issues. Easy to use.
Julio Perozo Wong None, united states
friendly and Easey
Matthew Wells None, united states
It was easy
Cassidy Blake None, united states
User friendly
Juan Morales-Cotto None, united states
Easy process
Dwight Bauermeister united states
Great service
Alejandro Macias united states
So far so good
Vijaya Lella united states
Nice experience. Easy to navigate. Videos are not too boring.
Ty Stanley None, united states
It’s very easy and quick
Tyrone Flowers Jr. None, united states
great
Kolton Smith None, united states
pretty efficient website.
Julio Nazario TX, united states
It was a great experience.
Robert Cortinas None, united states
fast
Courtney Richards None, united states
It was a quick process to sign up, ready to finish course.
Robert Pickens None, united states
Simple and quick
Daniela Ruiz united states
Website is So easy navigate and everything is explained so well
Edward Texas, united states
Course is informative and interesting.
Logan Dawson None, united states
Yall did great thank you
Stuart Pasley None, united states
Simple
Della Street-Leinart None, united states
Quick, easy and affordable.
Alexus Broome None, united states
easy to use
hdeal alabodi united states
Good experience
Lauren FULKERSON united states
Easy to use
Akhil Gajulavarti Texas, united states
Overall, it's good
Avery Ballmann TX, united states
It's great!
Eric Varela None, united states
Very Easy and fast service, all Texas Courts approve it
Sandreika Barber None, united states
Fast to navigate thru
Jose Carreon None, united states
Just awesome teaching techniques
Andres Alaniz None, united states
easy
Amanda Corley None, united states
all good
John Sanchez Texas, united states
Easy to follow
Luis Anchondo united states
Great!!!!
Zachary Hird None, united states
very easy to use
Meghan Stevenson None, united states
Fast and easy
Donna Collins None, united states
easy
See all reviews on shopperApproved.com
Why DefensiveDriving.com
  • 20 Years in Business
  • Over 2 Million Customers Served
  • Highest Possible Better Business Bureau Rating
  • Award Winning Course