What is the correct following distance behind another vehicle?

The correct following distance behind another vehicle is at least two seconds. This guideline is essential for maintaining a safe distance, allowing you adequate time to react to the vehicle in front of you if it suddenly stops or slows down. The two-second rule is a practical measure that helps drivers adjust their following distance based on their speed and the conditions of the road.

To measure this distance, you should choose a stationary object on the side of the road. When the vehicle in front of you passes that object, you start counting "one thousand and one, one thousand and two." If you reach the object before you finish counting, you are following too closely and should increase your distance for safety.

This two-second rule is widely recommended, as it provides a balance between being close enough to maintain the flow of traffic while allowing enough space to prevent collisions. In adverse driving conditions, such as rain or fog, it is often suggested to increase this following distance even further for added safety.