What is the recommended following distance under normal driving conditions?

The recommended following distance under normal driving conditions is typically two seconds. This guideline is based on the necessity for drivers to maintain a safe cushion of space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them, allowing sufficient time to react to sudden changes or emergencies.

When observing the two-second rule, drivers can identify a fixed point on the road and start counting when the vehicle in front of them passes that point. If they reach the point before counting to two, it indicates that they are following too closely and need to increase their distance. This practice helps to reduce the likelihood of rear-end collisions and provides an adequate response time, especially in situations where the lead vehicle may stop suddenly.

In adverse weather conditions, or when driving larger vehicles, a greater following distance may be recommended to accommodate the increased stopping distance required.