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