Which rule can help maintain a safe following distance while driving?

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for road safety, as it allows adequate time to react to the unexpected actions of the vehicle in front of you. The 2-second rule is widely recommended as a simple way to gauge your following distance. This rule suggests that you should ideally stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you.

To apply the 2-second rule, you need to pick a reference point on the road, such as a sign or a tree. When the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes that point, you start counting seconds until the front of your vehicle reaches the same point. If you reach the point before counting to two, you are too close and should increase your following distance. This method accounts for various factors such as your speed and road conditions, ensuring that you maintain a safe distance to stop if necessary.

While other options like the 1-second rule, 3-second rule, and 5-second rule may be mentioned in different contexts, the 2-second rule is generally seen as a practical balance for maintaining safety without being overly conservative or too close. It’s a fundamental guideline taught in driver education to enhance safe driving practices.