How far should you remain behind another vehicle when stopped on a hill?

When stopped on a hill, maintaining a safe distance of at least one vehicle length behind another vehicle is advisable for several reasons. This distance allows for enough space to react in case the vehicle in front rolls backward. On an incline, if the car ahead unexpectedly rolls back or moves suddenly, being further back gives you the time and space to either honk your horn or make necessary adjustments to avoid a collision.

Additionally, this distance ensures that you are able to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front touching the ground, which can help you make informed decisions regarding when to start moving again once the vehicle ahead begins to mobilize. Being too close can increase the risk of accidents, particularly in situations where the incline causes cars to slide backward if not properly secured.

While two vehicle lengths might sound safer in theory, it is often unnecessary and could lead to other issues, like obstructing traffic. A half vehicle length or being as close as possible would not provide the necessary buffer to ensure safety. Thus, the recommended practice is to stay at least one vehicle length back when stopped on a hill.