Study topic
Safe following distance in Ireland
Leaving enough space in front gives you time to react and stop safely. The theory test checks that you know how big that gap should be in different conditions.
Key facts to remember
- ◆ Use the two-second rule: stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front in dry conditions.
- ◆ Double the gap to at least four seconds on wet roads, where braking distances increase.
- ◆ In ice and snow your gap may need to be ten times greater than normal.
- ◆ Tailgating leaves you no room to stop and is a major cause of rear-end collisions.
- ◆ If a driver gets too close behind you, ease off gently to increase the gap in front of you both.