two-second rule
Safe gap guideline
The two-second rule is a guideline for safe following distance while driving: you should stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
Drivers pick a fixed point and count the time between when the lead car passes it and when they do.
The rule adjusts naturally for speed—faster driving means more distance.
Some extend it to three or four seconds in poor conditions.
Speed of response
- reflexesAutomatic physical responses
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- alertnessActive mental awareness
- judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity
perception · responsiveness · quickness · gap · interval · buffer · delay · processing
Following another vehicle unsafely
- brakingReducing speed deliberately
- highwayMajor road for travel
- trafficMovement along routes
- defensive drivingProactive safe vehicle operation
collision · rear-end · lane · bumper · brake lights · speedometer · vehicle · acceleration
Preventive safety measure
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
- vigilanceState of keen awareness
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- cautionCareful attention to risk
prevention · mindfulness · attentiveness · risk reduction · defensive · heedfulness · foresight · carefulness
reaction time
Speed of response
- reflexesAutomatic physical responses
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- alertnessActive mental awareness
judgment · perception · responsiveness · quickness · gap · interval · buffer · delay · processing · decision
tailgating
Following another vehicle unsafely
defensive driving · collision · rear-end · lane · bumper · brake lights · speedometer · vehicle · acceleration · deceleration
precaution
Preventive safety measure
caution · prevention · mindfulness · attentiveness · risk reduction · defensive · heedfulness · foresight · carefulness · watchfulness
- drivingdrive, steering, driver, acceleration, motorist
two-second rulereckless driving
Unsafe vehicle operation
road rage · dangerous driving · risk-taking · defensive driving · risk-taking behavior
twos, twinned, between, twelve, twenty, second, seconds, secondly, secondary