3 ms·

I disagree, if OP was following too closely the collision would have happened. Instead OP had to take evasive action to avoid collision because driver in front

I disagree, if OP was following too closely the collision would have happened. Instead OP had to take evasive action to avoid collision because driver in front did something unexpected. I look forward to the day that self-driving cards are mandatory. Driving is one of the most excruciating things I endure in daily life and only because of the huge number of people on the roads exhibiting random and completely irrational behavior. If there is absolutely no rational reason to stop your car in the midst of moving traffic, then why do it?

cptskippy 8y ago
Reaction times vary between individuals and even between an individual depending on context. Being hungover, tired, on the phone, lost in thought, reading a billboard, or fiddling with a stereo can significantly impact reaction time. Additionally the stopping distance varies between vehicles and even base on external factors like road conditions, weather or ol'Musky pushing a firmware update. Following too closely is vague and only enforced after an accident because of these variances. I was once told by a driving instructor that the safe following distance behind a car is always 3 seconds regardless of speed. At 3 seconds distance there are no evasive stopping actions and your underwear remains unsoiled.