How much of a gap should you maintain from the car in front of you?

Maintaining at least a car length for every 10 mph you are driving is crucial for safe following distances. This guideline provides enough space for you to react to sudden stops or emergencies from the vehicle in front of you. The rule helps ensure that you have sufficient time to brake and avoid a collision, especially when driving at higher speeds where stopping distances increase.

As speed increases, the stopping distance also increases dramatically, so the recommended gap allows for adequate reaction time and braking distance. By adhering to this practice, you contribute to overall road safety and help prevent rear-end collisions, which are among the most common types of accidents on the road.

The other options either suggest insufficient space or a lack of flexibility regarding varying speeds and conditions, which can compromise safety.