Distance.

[TWR]

Be honest, when you are following someone on a A /B/ Road / Motorway, whats your distance from the car in front?

[ummmm]

It's hard to judge the exact distance...but I keep mine.

[cg51]

whatever feels safe.

[jackthehat]

"Only a fool breaks the two second rule" ......that's my distance.

[vulcan]

As jackthehat, it's a very simple method and works on all roads from country lanes to motorways.

[jackthehat]

See, Public Information films can be useful at times......

I've never swum in gravel-pit, either....:o)

[cazzz1975]

I tend to leave a sensible distance, somedays though I feel like I am the only one

[aelmpvw]

it's the one following you that's usually the problem

[ZedBloke]

the 2 second rule is the standard.

[alavahalf]

At least a 2 second gap is nearly the right answer, you must allow more for worse conditions
.. see rule 126 ... https://www.gov.uk/general-rules-all-drivers-riders-103-to-158/control-of-the-vehicle-117-to-126

[boxtops]

same as jack and the others

[pdq1]

I can tell mine is too great by the number of motorists who cut me up especially those that want to exit the motorway. I consider mine a safe distance but on the other hand most accidents on motorways occur at the slip roads so maybe I should close up a bit.

[Electrochem]

It depends on the speed of the traffic!

Now I have been a bit cheeky, I find the two second rule is very useful, but this must be doubled in poor weather. That said, at 70 mph you are travelling at 103 feet per second, so it does make a bit of a mockery of the stopping distance as shown in The Highway Code. I use the motorway to get to work and back and I've witnessed many accidents by people driving too close to the car in front.

[pdq1]

Electochem we are given fallacious figures for stopping distance as though the vehicle in front has stopped instantaneously. If you both braked at the same time the only thing to consider is the thinking distance. If you have faster reactions and look ahead beyond the vehicle in front is obviously the reason why most motorists who tailgate rely on.

[lozzer50]

i like to keep a reasonable distance between me and car in front especially on motorway but you can guarantee some idiot will pull in front of me closing the gap !

[Electrochem]

pdq It is obvious that the car in front is not going to stop in an instant, but I have seen countless accidents where a driver has lost control and spun the car. You might have quick reactions, but if you are too close it will result in a shunt. Add to that the fact that your vision of the road ahead is reduced as you get closer to the vehicle in front, especially is it's a lorry or a Chelsea tractor. Too many drivers are focused on the road in front. A good driver will be aware of everything happening on the road behind at the sides of their vehicle. It requires alertness and proper use of the mirrors. Research has shown that those who who don't check what is happening ALL around them become unaware of hazards. Too many people think they are great drivers - I constantly look at ways I can improve my driving.