It is not accurate to maintain a two-second following distance in all conditions. The two-second rule is generally recommended for safe driving under normal conditions to give drivers enough time to react. However, in adverse weather (such as rain, fog, or ice), at night, or when driving behind large vehicles, it's important to increase this following distance. The common guideline is:
- 2 seconds in normal driving conditions,
- 4 seconds or more in adverse weather or poor visibility,
- Up to 12 seconds when driving behind large vehicles like trucks or buses.
This extended distance helps ensure enough reaction time to prevent collisions and allows safer stopping distances under varying conditions.
