What is the minimum following distance you should maintain behind the vehicle in front of you?

Maintaining a minimum following distance of two seconds under normal conditions is crucial for safe driving. This recommendation allows drivers enough time to react to any sudden changes or emergencies that may arise, such as the vehicle in front stopping unexpectedly.

The two-second rule involves choosing a stationary object along the road, like a sign or tree, and counting how many seconds it takes for your vehicle to reach that object after the vehicle in front has passed it. If it takes less than two seconds, you are following too closely. This practice helps prevent rear-end collisions and gives drivers adequate time to stop safely in various circumstances.

In certain situations, such as adverse weather conditions or when driving at higher speeds, it becomes necessary to increase that following distance to ensure safety, which is why other options suggesting longer distances might be advisable under those specific conditions. However, for normal conditions, two seconds serves as a solid guideline for an appropriate and safe following distance.