2secondenregel

2secondenregel is a driving safety guideline in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking regions that advises motorists to maintain at least a two-second time gap behind the vehicle in front of them. The rule is designed to provide sufficient time for a driver to react and brake in unexpected situations, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.

Application and measurement are straightforward. A driver selects a fixed point on the road ahead, such as a sign or a tree, and passes it with the leading vehicle. The following driver then counts seconds, typically using a phrase like “one thousand one, one thousand two.” If the counting finishes before reaching the fixed point, the following distance is too small. The method is simple and does not require speed estimation, making it popular for driver education and everyday use.

Conditions and adaptations are important. In wet, icy, or snowy conditions, or when visibility is reduced, the recommended gap should be increased to three or four seconds. Large vehicles, heavy loads, or high speeds also warrant a greater following distance due to longer braking distances and slower maneuverability. The two-second rule is a guideline rather than a law of physics; it does not guarantee safety in all circumstances and should be complemented by safe driving practices and local traffic rules.

Relation to other guidelines and limitations are noted. The 2secondenregel is one of several simplified methods for estimating safe following distance. It emphasizes reaction time and braking distance, but real-world safety also depends on road conditions, vehicle performance, and driver attention. Driving education programs often teach it as an introductory tool before introducing more detailed guidelines.