følgavstand

Følgavstand, or following distance, is the space a vehicle keeps behind the vehicle in front. It is a central concept in road safety, affecting both braking distance and the driver's ability to react to hazards. A safe følgavstand depends on speed, weather, road conditions, and vehicle characteristics, and it is considered essential for preventing rear-end collisions.

The most common method to gauge følgavstand is the two-second rule. While driving, pick a fixed point ahead (a sign, a tree, a bridge). When the lead vehicle passes that point, start counting seconds; you should be able to reach the same point two seconds later. At 60 km/h this typically corresponds to about 30–35 meters of distance; at 100 km/h it is around 55–60 meters. These distances are approximate and vary with speed and conditions.

Conditions that warrant a larger distance include rain, snow, ice, fog, wet or slippery roads, and driving a long or heavy vehicle. In adverse conditions or with fallible braking, increasing the gap to three seconds or more is recommended to allow extra reaction and stopping time.

Practical tips for maintaining følgavstand include using fixed reference points, avoiding tailgating, and adjusting speed smoothly to keep a safe buffer. Drivers should anticipate other hazards, allow extra space in urban stop-and-go traffic, and be mindful of vehicles following closely behind.

Følgavstand is a standard element in driving education and road safety guidance in Norway and many other countries, reflecting its importance for safe driving.