In bad weather conditions, how far should you maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you?

Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you during bad weather conditions is critical for ensuring reaction time and safety on the road. The recommended distance of at least 4 seconds allows for adequate space to react appropriately if the vehicle ahead of you suddenly stops or encounters an unexpected hazard. In adverse weather, such as rain, snow, or fog, road conditions can significantly reduce traction and visibility, meaning that stopping distances will be longer than during clear-weather driving. The 4-second rule gives you the necessary margin to brake safely without risking a collision.

A shorter distance—such as 2 or 3 seconds—may not provide enough time to react appropriately in compromised driving conditions, putting you and other road users at risk. Additionally, 5 seconds might be overly cautious for many situations, making it impractical and potentially disruptive to traffic flow. Thus, maintaining a distance of 4 seconds strikes a balance between safety and practicality when driving in bad weather.