Under normal driving conditions, where should your stopping distance at night be?

Your stopping distance at night should ideally be within the range of your headlights. This is because at night, visibility is significantly reduced compared to daytime driving. Headlights illuminate only a limited area ahead, so the driver needs to ensure they can see and safely stop for any obstacles or changes in the roadway conditions within that illuminated area. By maintaining a stopping distance that is within the range of your headlights, you allow yourself enough time to react to any hazards that may appear.

Maintaining a stopping distance longer than that illuminated area could lead to a situation where you are traveling too fast for conditions, raising the likelihood of an accident if an unexpected object or situation arises. Therefore, being able to stop within what you can see is crucial for safe night driving.