What is the minimum following distance you should maintain behind another vehicle?

Maintaining a minimum following distance of 2 seconds behind another vehicle is essential for safe driving. This distance allows for adequate time to react to any sudden stops or emergencies that may occur with the vehicle in front of you. The 2-second rule is a practical guideline; it enables drivers to gauge an appropriate distance based on the speed of both vehicles and the road conditions.

By counting to two after the vehicle ahead passes a landmark, a driver can estimate whether they are following at a safe distance. This time gap helps ensure that if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly, there is sufficient space to stop safely without colliding. Under adverse conditions, like rain or fog, it’s advisable to increase this following distance to further ensure safety. The importance of this rule cannot be overstated as it helps to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, which are one of the most common types of accidents on the road.