What should be the distance you maintain when following another vehicle?

Maintaining a following distance of two seconds behind the vehicle in front is crucial for safe driving. This guideline allows drivers to have a sufficient buffer to react to sudden stops or emergencies. The two-second rule helps ensure that there is enough time to perceive an issue and respond, promoting safer driving conditions, especially at higher speeds or in adverse weather.

The concept behind the two-second rule is simple: choose a stationary object on the side of the road, and when the vehicle in front passes it, you should be able to count "one thousand one, one thousand two" before your vehicle reaches that same object. If you reach the object before finishing the count, you are following too closely and should increase your distance.

In contrast, following distances like one car length or a specific number of meters can vary greatly depending on the speed and size of the vehicles involved, making them less reliable compared to the two-second time-based measurement. The five-seconds of following time, while generous, can be more than necessary in many driving situations, possibly leading to congestion on the road. Hence, two seconds is a balanced and effective strategy for maintaining a safe following distance.