Don't drive too close

It's surprising how close we get without even realising. In dry conditions:

• at 50 mph, you need to be able to stop within 53 metres (or 13 car lengths)
• at 70 mph, we need to be able to stop within 96 metres (or 24 car lengths)

Double the gap in wet conditions and increase even further in icy conditions.

The two-second rule

Two seconds is the time needed to think about braking and then brake.

Thinking distance

The distance a vehicle travels between the driver realising they need to brake and applying the brakes. This distance increases if you are:

• tired
• distracted
• under the influence of alcohol and drugs
• speeding

Braking distance

The distance taken to stop once the brakes are applied. This distance increases if:

• your car's brakes or tyres are in poor condition
• the road and weather conditions are poor
• you are speeding

How to determine whether you are two seconds behind 

Mark a point, such as a bridge or a lamppost, and count the time it takes you to pass it. 
 
It takes two seconds to say, "Only a fool breaks the two-second rule." If you pass the fixed point before you've finished saying it, you're too close.