While passing the practical test might be one of the reasons why you want to use the correct following distance while driving, it should be a habit that you should use for life! If there is any driving skill that you should maintain to the dsa standard, then this is the one, and the reason is not far fetched.
Driving too close to the car in front of you will one day see you involved in an accident sooner than later, whether you think you are a good driver or not because all it takes is for the car in front to brake suddenly, and you don't have enough space to stop your car due to your tailgating attitude.
Accidents due to incorrect following distances or tailgating is very common, and while not all of them might be life threating, injury or damage to cars, the resultant cost for insurance companies and the inconvinience you have to go through should be enough reason for you not to adopt this bad driving habit. It does not matter where in the world you drive, US, Australia, Saudi Arabia or Africa, if you follow the car in front too closely for the speed you are travelling at, it is not safe, and you are gambling with your life, does it realy matter if some other stupid driver moves into the gap? I would rather be late getting home, than arrive home as 'The Late'.
Every day on the uk roads you can see examples of drivers not allowing adequate following distances to the car in front as they tailgate their victims for whatever reason, be it they are in a hurry to get to nowhere, like to intimidate cars displaying 'L' plates or are just acting plain stupid by not paying attention to their driving.
As a reminder, here is what the highway code says car drivers should do:
"Stopping Distances. Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. You should leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance.
Allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic and in tunnels where visibility is reduced. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads, remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop. If driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, you should allow a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front.
If you have to stop in a tunnel, leave at least a 5-metre gap between you and the vehicle in front."
Start today a new habit of giving other car the correct following distances and be a better, safer and controlled driver by not tailgating.
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