How many seconds should you stay behind a vehicle when driving up to 30 mph in ideal conditions?

Staying behind a vehicle for at least 2 seconds when driving up to 30 mph in ideal conditions is vital for maintaining a safe following distance. This practice allows for adequate reaction time in case the vehicle in front suddenly brakes or encounters an unexpected situation. Keeping a 2-second gap helps ensure that you have enough time to respond without relying solely on your brakes, particularly in conditions where stopping quickly might not be feasible.

This 2-second rule is based on the principle that at lower speeds, a shorter distance can often suffice; however, it’s important to note that this rule applies in ideal road conditions. In less than ideal conditions, such as wet or icy roads, or when driving a larger vehicle with potentially longer stopping distances, it would be prudent to increase the following distance to provide a greater buffer.