What is the purpose of the "two-second rule"?

The purpose of the "two-second rule" is to maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This rule helps drivers assess and maintain enough space to react appropriately in case the vehicle ahead suddenly slows down or stops. To use this rule, a driver should pick a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree, and when the vehicle in front of them passes that point, the driver should be able to count two seconds before they reach the same point. This practice encourages safe driving habits and can significantly reduce the risk of rear-end collisions by ensuring that drivers have ample time to react to changes in traffic conditions.