How far should you stay behind the car that you are following?

Maintaining a following distance of at least two seconds behind the car in front of you allows for a safer reaction time in case the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or slows down. This distance provides a buffer that permits you to react to unforeseen circumstances, such as sudden braking, without tailgating.

The two-second rule is a widely recognized guideline in defensive driving, as it gives you adequate time to assess the traffic conditions ahead and make necessary adjustments to your speed or position. It helps you to gauge the distance by allowing you to pick a stationary point, like a sign or a tree, and counting the seconds it takes from when the car ahead passes that point until your vehicle reaches it.

While a greater distance, such as three or four seconds, could provide even more safety, the minimum recommendation of two seconds strikes a balance between safe driving and practical distance necessary for everyday driving conditions. Keeping a shorter distance, like one second or even less, significantly increases the risk of a collision, especially in poor weather conditions or during heavy traffic.