What is the purpose of the two-second rule?

The two-second rule is a guideline used to ensure that drivers maintain a safe following distance behind another vehicle on the road. By assessing the distance with a two-second gap, a driver can create enough space to react adequately to sudden stops or emergencies. This rule is simple: when the vehicle in front passes a fixed point, the driver should be at least two seconds behind that point before reaching it. This space helps to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, allowing enough time to react to changes in traffic conditions or behaviors of the vehicle ahead.

While other options might touch on aspects related to driving safety, they do not directly address the primary purpose of the two-second rule, which is specifically focused on safe following distances rather than stopping distances, measuring reaction times, or judging the speed of oncoming vehicles.