Final answer:
The proper following distance between vehicles is dependent on speed and road conditions, with the rule of thumb being a 3-second gap. This distance is crucial for safety to allow adequate reaction and stopping time. The stopping distance varies with road conditions and initial speed of the vehicle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended following distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you depends on a few factors, including your speed and road conditions. For example, on dry pavement with good visibility, a common guideline is to maintain at least a 3-second gap. This can be determined by picking a stationary object on the side of the road and counting the time it takes for you to reach it after the car in front of you passes it. If you're driving at 60 km/h in a town or city, you'd want to be at least one car length for every 15 km/h, hence, a minimum of 4 car lengths.
Understanding the proper following distance is crucial for safety. It allows adequate time for reaction to unexpected events and enough space to stop without collision. In cases where a large piece of debris falls in front of your view, the distance necessary to stop a car varies greatly and will also depend on the coefficient of friction between your tires and the road surface.
For instance, if you see a car approaching and it is 28 meters away, whether it is safe to cross the road or not will depend on your walking speed and the approaching car's speed. The time it takes for a car to stop will include the distance covered before the driver hits the brakes and the slowing down process, which is influenced by road conditions (wet or dry pavement) and the car's initial speed.