What is the recommended minimum following distance behind another vehicle in good conditions?

The recommended minimum following distance behind another vehicle in good conditions is 2 seconds. This guideline helps ensure that riders have adequate time to react to any sudden stops or emergencies that may occur with the vehicle in front of them. A 2-second gap allows for a safe buffer zone, giving the rider the opportunity to assess and respond to changing road conditions, potential obstacles, or the behavior of other drivers. This distance is based on the understanding that reaction times vary and gives enough room to avoid collisions.

A shorter following distance, such as 1 second, does not provide enough space for safe stopping and reaction times, especially in emergency situations. Longer distances, like 3-4 seconds or 5 seconds, may be more appropriate in adverse conditions or when riding in heavy traffic, but for good conditions, 2 seconds is generally sufficient to maintain a safe ride.