What is the purpose of the 2-second rule in driving?

The purpose of the 2-second rule in driving is to maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This rule is designed to ensure that drivers have enough time to react if the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or encounters a hazard. To apply the 2-second rule, a driver should choose a fixed point on the road, and when the vehicle in front passes that point, the driver should count to two (one thousand one, one thousand two). If the driver's vehicle reaches that same point before completing the count, they are too close and should increase the distance between vehicles.

Maintaining a safe following distance is critical for reducing the risk of rear-end collisions and allows ample time for braking and maneuvering safely in various driving conditions. This guideline helps promote safe driving practices, especially in conditions such as wet or slippery roads, where stopping distances can increase significantly.

Other choices may involve timing or estimating, but they do not pertain to the fundamental principle of maintaining distance for safety while driving.