The rule of thumb

As driver or passanger, you quickly and easily check whether the distance to the vehicle in front is large enough. The rule of thumb is the name and quite literally you use your thumb to check the distance. It is well known on the motorways that this method can be used.

The rule of thumb is useful, it gives a good indication, even if it is not 100% correct. It is still two seconds of distance that is most accurate, but the rule of thumb is probably easier and faster to perform while driving.

The method is carried out by sitting behind the wheel and stretching your arm out in front of you, you should be able to just cover the car in front with your raised thumb. If you can do that, the distance is sufficient.

Too little distance to the vehicle in front on motorways is a frequent cause of accidents, as many of the accidents are rear-end collisions. This new rule of thumb is intended to help the driver keep a sufficient distance to the vehicle in front.

The 2-second rule (on all roads and speeds)

You should always keep a distance of at least two seconds, regardless of speed. This gives you time to react in the event of sudden braking. The rule for checking the distance is simple: choose a fixed point on the road, such as a signpost or lamppost. When the car in front passes this point, two seconds must pass before you pass the same point yourself. In bad weather such as rain, snow or fog, it is recommended to increase the distance to avoid dangerous situations.