Following distance

Following distance is the space between the back of a vehicle and the front of the following vehicle in traffic.

National recommendations

Australia

In the Australian state of New South Wales, 3 seconds of following distance is recommended.[1] In Queensland,[2] Victoria,[3] and Western Australia,[4] 2 seconds is recommended.

Europe

In the European Union, the two-second rule is recommended, and in some European countries there are penalties for maintaining lower distances.[5]

United Kingdom

In the UK, it is recommended that 2 seconds of following distance is maintained.[6]

United States

In the US, for safety it is recommended that 3-4 seconds of following distance is maintained.[7] Extra time should be added for wet, rainy, slippery, foggy or other weather situations accordingly.[8] For heavy duty commercial vehicles it is recommended 4-6 seconds following distance for speeds under 30 mi/h (48 km/h), and 6-8 seconds following distance for speeds over 30 mi/h (48 km/h).[9] Rear-end collisions are the number one type of traffic collisions.[10]

See also

References
  1. NSW, Transport for (20 April 2021). "Safe stopping distance | NSW Government". www.nsw.gov.au.
  2. "Safe following distances | Road rules for everyday driving". www.qld.gov.au.
  3. "Safe driving tips : VicRoads". Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  4. "More road rules and penalties". www.wa.gov.au. 7 November 2023.
  5. "Safe distance between vehicles". Conference of European Directors of Roads. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  6. "National Highways urges drivers to use the two-second rule in new campaign". GOV.UK.
  7. "Proper Following Distance". Pinellas Driving School.
  8. "Following Too Closely". FMCSA. 15 October 2007. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  9. "Free Business Flashcards about UPS Training (Full)". www.studystack.com. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  10. Rear end crashes are most common type of collisions azdot.gov
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