What should you use to maintain a safe following distance?

Using the two-second rule is an effective method to maintain a safe following distance while driving. This rule states that you should choose a fixed point, like a road sign or a tree, and when the vehicle in front of you passes that point, you should be able to count two seconds before you reach the same point. This simple technique helps ensure that you have enough space between your vehicle and the one ahead, thus allowing you adequate reaction time in case of sudden stops or emergencies.

The two-second rule accounts for various driving conditions and allows for adjustments based on speed. If you're driving faster, you may want to increase that distance to three or more seconds to maintain safety. This practice is essential for defensive driving, as it mitigates the risk of collision by ensuring you have enough time to react to changes in traffic.

Other methods, such as relying solely on visual estimation or using the vehicle's speedometer or odometer, may not provide a consistent or reliable method for gauging distance. The two-second rule is a well-recognized standard that contributes to safer driving practices.