How Many Car Lengths Between Cars Is The Recommended Following Distance?

Responsible drivers always maintain a gap between their car’s front and the rear of the vehicle ahead of their machine. Called “following distance,” this practice reduces the risk of collisions and makes driving safer.

How many car lengths between cars when driving is recommended as the minimum safe following distance?

How Many Car Lengths Between Cars Is The Recommended Following Distance?

The safe following distance depends on how fast your car is going at the moment. For every 10 miles per hour of speed, attempt to keep one car length between you and the other vehicle on the road.

Follow the Three-Second Rule

The three-second rule is another way to determine the recommended following distance. Choose a point on the road and wait for the car in front of yours to reach that spot. Then start counting the number of seconds it takes for your car to arrive at that location.

If your count doesn’t reach three seconds, you’re likely too close to the other car. You should slow down and increase the distance between the vehicles.

Some drivers prefer to set up their following distance based on a shorter period of two seconds. However, it’s generally better to give yourself three seconds of following distance and response time.

When To Increase Your Following Distance

A three-second following distance can go a long way, but it isn’t enough for every scenario. Here are examples of instances when you should increase your following distance:

Entering or Exiting a Highway

You should always increase your following distance when entering or exiting a highway. As you exit, you’ll need enough space to safely slow down without colliding with the vehicle in front of you. Similarly, when you enter a highway, you need enough room to accelerate to safely merge with fast traffic.

Driving in Bad Weather

Not only will rainy weather limit your visibility, but it’ll also make roads extra slippery.

Always increase your following distance in low-light scenarios, and stay alert in case a vehicle slips on the wet pavement.

Driving in Heavy Traffic

Collisions are much more likely during stop-and-go traffic, so for your safety, put more distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you.

Driving a Large Vehicle

Large vehicles weigh more than compact cars, which means they’ll need more time to stop.

Following a Large Vehicle

Increase your following distance if you’re driving behind a large vehicle. Large vehicles need more time to stop, and they can also block your view if you stick too close to them.

Following Motorcycles or Bicycles

Motorcycles and bicycles can fall over easily when rear-ended, so it’s best to put a greater distance between them and your vehicle.

Following a Vehicle That Stops Frequently

Give yourself more time to use your brakes when trailing behind school buses, delivery trucks, and other vehicles that stop frequently.

Being Tailgated

If the vehicle behind you is sticking too closely, consider placing more space between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Doing so gives you enough room to switch lanes. This can also cue the driver behind you that it’s safe to pass you.

Why Do You Need to Maintain a Safe Following Distance?

Keeping a good following distance gives you room and time to respond appropriately when something untoward happens to your car or the vehicle ahead of yours. If the driver in front of you abruptly hits the brakes, you have more time to stop your own vehicle.

Keep in mind that your car doesn’t stay at a single speed all the time. You’ll accelerate or decelerate at various points of your trip, such as when you need to make a turn or enter or exit a highway. Thus, the minimum recommended following distance can change accordingly.

Other Tips on Road Safety

Sticking to the recommended following distance is just one way to stay safe on the road.

Keep Your Car in Good Shape

It goes without saying that you should keep your car in the best condition possible. Some parts are important to propelling or stopping your vehicle. If these parts fail, they can make it more difficult to bring your vehicle to a halt. 

Certain faulty parts like stuck accelerators and sludge on car throttle cables can cause sudden unintended acceleration. Your car can speed up without warning. If the following distance is too short, there’s a chance of rear-ending another vehicle before you can regain control.

Another possible cause is an old or bad brake part. If a brake pad, brake caliper, or brake drum gets worn out or stops working properly, the brakes can become less effective at stopping your car.

It’s highly recommended to replace these faulty parts as soon as possible.

Drive Carefully in Bad Weather

Certain weather conditions like rain and snow make the road more slippery. While specialized wheels and anti-lock braking systems can compensate, it’s still a good idea to slow down and increase the following distance between your car and the one in front of yours.