Following Distance.

OK now I know the rules, 1 sec per 10 feet + 1 sec over 40mph. But as a rookie is that really something that is possible?

I've watched many Vlogs and it seems to me that to keep that much space is next to impossible. You have 4 wheelers, incoming traffic, and merging traffic not to mention the in and out folk who seem to be bent on getting to their destination now rather than later.

So I guess my question is how do I as a rookie go forward knowing that the car that just cut me off set me up to wreck the other 3 vehicles next to me?

You slow down to gain more distance between you both. Your stopping distance doubles in adverse conditions. So in the winter time it's 14 seconds. So 7 seconds isn't that difficult to maintain compared to 14.

Just always go slightly slower than the speed of traffic. And when that 4 wheeler does cut you off you should slow down to regain that following distance you lost. It's all about playing with your speed. Go 62 when you can but if your following distance is bad then go 58 until you get 7 seconds back then use your judgement to determine your speed at this point. If traffic is getting further and further from you then pick it back up to 62.

Just always maintain that 7 seconds. I can't tell you how many times I got cut off and then the person brakes causing me to have to brake hard.

Yeah quite often you'll have the right following distance and then someone will get in front of you too close. Like Daniel said, just back it down a bit and let that following distance get back up to where it should be.

You certainly won't be able to maintain the perfect following distance every second you're out there. But make your best effort. And just as importantly make sure you are always looking for an escape route in case something crazy happens right in front of you. Having the proper following distance and always having an escape plan are critical when it comes to safety.

And part of formulating that escape route is knowing what's on all sides of you, including what's behind you. Maybe you're in the right lane and there's a car 20 feet behind your trailer in the left lane. Is he catching you? Is he maintaining the same speed? Where is he going to be in 5 seconds? In 10 seconds? Is that left lane going to be available if you need it? What about the shoulder?

What about directly behind you? If something happens in front of you and someone is tailgating you it might be safer to change lanes instead of slamming on the brakes. Then again if someone is tailgating you they might be getting ready to pass. Will that left lane be open 5 seconds from now or will the tailgater dart into the left lane at just the wrong moment?

Knowing what's on all sides of you, planning an escape route, and keeping that following distance are all things you have to do at all times. It's not a perfect world - you won't be able to do all three perfectly every moment of every day. But the better you are at them the more likely you'll be able to avoid a wreck. After 15 years out there I had dozens of close calls even when I was doing everything right. In fact, it was because I was doing everything right that they were close calls and not wrecks. It's hard staying vigilant at all times, but you have to. Things happen so quickly and without warning. If you're not sharp you're not going to stay safe for long.