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The 2 second Rule








When you learn to drive with 4front Driving School, you are taught to be a better and safer driver.
One of the key factors to drive safely is to keep at least a 2 second gap between you and the vehicle In front at all times. You will realise that the following distance increases the faster you go but the time it takes you to get to the same point as the vehicle In front stays the same.
We need to keep a safe distance so that we have enough time to think and react.
As we all know safety on the road is paramount, but so often drivers just don't pay attention to the two second rule. If you find that the vehicle behind you is ignoring this rule and following too close we suggest reducing the speed slightly and increase the distance between you and the vehicle In front so that you reduce the risk of needing to brake hard.

So, what is the two second rule?

Well, one second is the distance between yourself and the car in front. One second (or one car) is the equivalent space of 5mph, but this is insufficient to produce a safe stopping distance. The two second rule is equal to two cars or 10mph and covers a safer braking distance to stop.
The two second rule can even be implemented at very high speeds. However, it is generally wiser to be safer and give more space by tripling the seconds to stop.
The accurate way to count is to speak it out when following the car in front. You can try it next time your in the car (hopefully, your not reading this now while driving). Simply pick a marker that the car passes in front and count until you pass it. Some drivers might say one thousand, two one thousand and three one thousand. Although, most motorists believe it is easier to say ‘only a fool breaks the two second rule’, this saying literally takes two seconds to say and can serve as an important reminder.
TIP: The two second rule ought to be more than doubled if the weather is treacherous, for instance in heavy rain, fog, poor lighting and even night time driving. This is because the stopping distance can double in wet conditions.
As the stopping distance doubles in wet conditions it can increase 10x in snow and ice. Therefore you should reduce your following distance even more in these conditions.
It is sensible to use the counting method rather than take your eyes off the road to judge distances. The counting method was created to reduce accidents.
Some motorists ignore the rule and feel, tailgating or road rage is okay. What should you do if you’re being tailgated or you find yourself in the middle of a road rage? It would be prudent to pull over into another lane or take the next exit to avoid an accident.

If you are interested in learning to drive then please call Simon at 4front Driving School on 07905657229
Or visit our website on http://www.4frontdrivingschool.co.uk
You can email 4frontdrivingschool@gmail.com
Or visit our Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/4frontdrivingschool
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