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Safe Following Distances in all Types of Weather
April 19, 2023 at 9:45 AM
What steps to take when applying safe following distance in good weather conditions
When driving in good weather conditions, we recommend to apply the two second rule. We apply this following distance, so that if the vehicle in front of us stops suddenly, we should have enough time to stop safely behind the other vehicle. An easy way to work out the 2 second rule is when the vehicle in front of us passes a stationary landmark, we start counting one thousand and one, one thousand and two. If we reach the landmark before we say one thousand and two, we are driving too close to the vehicle in front. Good following distance also improves our visibility when we are driving behind a large vehicle for example a bus or truck. We also make ourselves more visible to other road users potentially coming out of side roads and driveways. The two second rule is the minimum distance in good weather conditions, so more is always better.
What steps to take when applying safe following distance in poor weather conditions
When driving in poor weather conditions, we recommend applying the four second rule. There are two main reasons why we apply more following distance in poor weather conditions. One being that the road is potentially more slippery, the other one is that visibility is potentially poor. We apply this distance so that if the vehicle in front of us stops suddenly, we should have enough time to stop safely behind the other vehicle. When the vehicle in front of us passes a stationary landmark, we start counting one thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three, one thousand and four. If we reach the landmark before we say one thousand and four, we are driving too close to the vehicle in front. The four second rule is the minimum following distance in poor weather conditions, so more is always better.
FAQs
1) What is the two-second rule — and when should I use it?
Use the two-second rule in good weather on dry roads. Pick a fixed landmark the vehicle ahead passes, then count “one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two”. If you reach the landmark before two seconds, you’re too close. It’s a minimum gap; more space is better, especially behind large vehicles.
2) When should I switch to the four-second rule?
Use four seconds in poor conditions — rain, fog, spray, gravel, or when visibility or grip is reduced. Count to four using the same landmark method. This extra buffer compensates for longer stopping distances and slower reaction times in tougher conditions.
3) Do I need a bigger gap at night, when towing, or in a heavy vehicle?
Yes. Increase your gap beyond the minimum when driving at night, towing, carrying a heavy load, or in a truck/van. Heavier vehicles and trailers take longer to stop and can sway; a longer following distance gives you room to brake and stabilise smoothly.
4) How do I measure following distance in slow or stop-start traffic?
Time-based gaps still work at any speed. Even below 50 km/h, keep at least two seconds in the dry (more if wet) so you’re not brake-checking or nose-to-tail. If traffic compresses, rebuild the gap gently without abrupt acceleration.
5) What should I do if someone is tailgating me?
Increase your gap to the vehicle ahead to create a safety cushion, maintain smooth speed, and avoid sudden braking. If safe, change lanes or let them pass at the next opportunity. Don’t speed up to “get away” — manage space, not egos.
6) Does a bigger gap really improve safety and visibility?
Absolutely. A longer gap improves your view past buses, trucks and SUVs, gives side-road traffic more time to see you, and reduces multi-car pile-up risk if the lead vehicle brakes suddenly.
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