Final answer:
When following another vehicle, always maintain a minimum following distance of 2 seconds to ensure safety on the road.
Step-by-step explanation:
When following another vehicle, it is important to maintain a minimum following distance in order to ensure safety on the road. The recommended minimum following distance is typically expressed in seconds rather than a specific distance in meters. The general rule is to maintain a following distance of at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
This means that you should be at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle's rear bumper. To determine the 2-second distance, you can use a simple technique called the 'two-second rule.'
- Pick a fixed object on the road, such as a sign or a tree.
- When the vehicle in front of you passes that object, start counting seconds. One second, two seconds.
- If you pass the same object before you finish counting two seconds, then you are following too closely.
By maintaining a minimum following distance of 2 seconds, you give yourself enough time to react and stop in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes or encounters any other unexpected situation.