To maintain a safe following distance, what rule should you apply?

To maintain a safe following distance, applying the two-second rule is an effective method. This rule suggests that you should ideally stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This time gap allows for adequate reaction time in case the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or slows down, which is critical for avoiding collisions.

To utilize the two-second rule, pick a fixed point along the road, such as a sign or a tree. When the vehicle in front of you passes that point, you should count to two seconds. If you reach the point before you finish counting, it indicates that you are following too closely and should increase your distance.

While other rules, such as the three-second rule or maintaining one car length for every 10 mph, may also be effective, the two-second rule is generally recommended for its simplicity and practicality. It strikes a balance between enough distance to react and not excessive space that could lead to congestion in traffic.