How far ahead should you scan on highways for safe driving?

Scanning ahead while driving on highways is crucial for maintaining safety and situational awareness. The correct choice is 12-15 seconds because this time frame allows drivers to anticipate potential hazards and make necessary adjustments before reaching them. This distance translates to looking about a quarter of a mile down the road at highway speeds, which provides a sufficient buffer to react to any changes in traffic conditions, such as slowing vehicles or merging traffic.

Estimating the appropriate scanning distance within this range enables drivers to identify and respond to dynamic situations well in advance, promoting safer decision-making. By focusing on a broader range for scanning, such as 20-25 seconds or more, one might become distracted by distant events rather than contemporary conditions that require immediate attention. While shorter scanning intervals may lead to more immediate awareness, they can also result in inadequate preparation for hazards further down the road. Thus, the 12-15 second horizon strikes a balance, enhancing safety without causing overwhelm from distant observations.