What is the minimum safe following distance recommended between cars?

The recommended minimum safe following distance is one car length for every 10 mph. This guideline helps ensure that drivers maintain a sufficient buffer zone between their vehicle and the car ahead, allowing adequate time to react to sudden stops or emergencies. The rationale is rooted in the principles of safe driving and reaction times; as speed increases, the distance required to come to a complete stop also increases. By maintaining this distance, a driver can better judge the speed and actions of the vehicle in front, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.

Maintaining one car length for every 10 mph aligns with general driving safety practices that are encouraged by traffic safety experts and driving schools, ensuring drivers can react appropriately under various driving conditions.