How much space should you keep between you and the car in front?

The correct approach for maintaining a safe following distance between your vehicle and the car in front is to keep at least one vehicle's length of space for every 10 mph you are traveling. This method helps ensure that you have sufficient space to stop safely in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes or encounters an obstacle. For instance, if you're traveling at 30 mph, you should maintain at least three vehicle lengths behind the car ahead. This rule provides a good balance, allowing drivers to respond appropriately to unexpected situations while taking various road conditions into account.

Maintaining this amount of distance helps in preventing collisions and gives you ample time to react, especially in scenarios where stopping quickly or avoiding a sudden problem is necessary. This practice aligns with safe driving principles that emphasize the importance of being vigilant and prepared for sudden changes on the road.