How reliable is the two second rule?

Question

If you are two seconds from the car in front does it really give you enough time to stop safely should the car in front be involved in an accident?

Answer 1

3 second rule is correct.

*snicker*

Answer 2

Two second rule to me is the bare minimum to keep from tailgating.  If you are really looking at driving safely, keep a 3 to 5 second gap.  This has no bearing as far as speed is concerned.  I read an article that was quoted by a man in the trucking industry.  Wish I could find that article.  It dealt with the decision making process when it came to emergency braking.  I believe one of the points it brought up was the "Are they really stopping?" decision making process.  It takes a moment to realize everyone is dropping anchor and REALLY stopping.  That can take 1 to 2 seconds.  Then you need the additional 2 second rule to be in place.  Sorry, the article did a MUCH better job of putting this info into words.  

More time between you and the vehicle in front of you, the safer you will be.

Answer 3

The goal of the two second rule is to account for the TOTAL REACTION TIME.

This includes the time needed for:

Seeing and decision making (0.25 sec)

physical reaction and braking motion (0.75 sec)

braking distance and deceleration. (1.0 sec).

this accounts for the two vehicles traveling at the same speed on a highway.  It doenst account for the car in front hitting a stationary object (like a solid wall)..

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Answer 4

you could be 10 seconds behind and if your not paying attention bam

Answer 5

.

Do not take any notice of UCANTCME, his advice on this question is DANGEROUS!!

He/She is quoting under a second gap.

For every 10mph = 14.66 f/sec approx. Therefore, 2 seconds at 50mph = 147 feet approx.

So, UCANTCME's 5 car lengths (average car length 13 feet) = 65feet

2 second rule = 147 feet     @ 50mph

UCANTCME =    65 feet     @ 50mph??? Sounds bloody dangerous to me.

To your question = Yes, it should, if you are alert, your driving skills are honed, you are on a decent road surface and the weather and condition and type of your vehicle is good. Increase your distance if any of the above criteria are in doubt.

This link is very informative.

http://www.csgnetwork.com/stopdistinfo.h...

Good to see someone trying to be a proficient driver.

.

Answer 6

it depends on how fast ur going

Answer 7

If you are driving less than 20 mph it will work but the faster you are driving it will not work, try using the 10 mph rule because it is better.

Example: if you are driving at 50 mph, then stay back 5 car lengths, one car length for ever 10 mph.

Answer 8

No, you need to use a 3 second rule to accomplish that.