The National Safety Council recommends that a following interval be allowed between passenger-type vehicles under normal conditions. How many seconds is this interval?

• A. 1 second
• B. 3 seconds
• C. 2 seconds
• D. 4 seconds

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a safe following distance gives you time to notice a hazard, react, and stop if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. Under normal conditions, the National Safety Council recommends about a two-second gap between passenger vehicles. You can check it by picking a fixed object on the road; as the lead vehicle passes it, start counting seconds. If you reach that object after roughly two seconds, you’re at the recommended interval. This works because it aligns with typical human reaction time and braking capability, providing a comfortable buffer to slow down or stop if needed. In less favorable conditions—rain, snow, night, or slick surfaces—increase this interval to three seconds or more to maintain safety.