Whats the difference between separation and stopping distances?
You need enough space between yourself and the vehicle in front to pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The minimum needs to be at least equal to your speed in feet (Called the Thinking or Separation Distance). Leave any less space and you increase the risk of running into the vehicle in front. Another reasonable rule on faster roads is to keep a minimum of a two second gap . As the vehicle in front passes an object such as a lamp post try saying to yourself “Only a fool breaks the two second rule”. It should take two seconds to say this. If you pass the same object before you’ve finished saying this phrase, then you are too close. For a more detailed explanation why not go to the Tutorial Section and look at what I say about clearance The Highway code has a fuller explanation of stopping distances.
