What is the safe distance to maintain from the vehicle in front of you?

Maintaining a distance of at least two seconds from the vehicle in front of you is a recommended practice to ensure safe driving. This technique, known as the "two-second rule," allows for adequate reaction time in case the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or slows down. By counting two seconds from the moment the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed point (like a sign or a tree), you can assess whether you're following at a safe distance. If you reach the fixed point before you finish counting, you are following too closely, which can increase the risk of a collision.

This method adjusts for variable conditions, such as speed, weather, and road conditions. In poor weather or heavy traffic, it is advisable to increase that distance even further to maintain safety. Other options, like maintaining one car length or four car lengths, do not take into account the speed of the vehicles and may not provide adequate stopping distance in an emergency situation. Not maintaining any distance poses a significant risk, as it increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions.