Near Heiloo you first drive 50 km/h, then you accelerate to 100 km/h on the same road. You want to stay at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead the whole time. Roughly how many metres is that at both speeds?

Explanation

False — you make the distance four times as large. The 2-second distance is time times speed: twice as fast is twice as many metres, so 55 m at 100 km/h, not 110 m.

Why learners get this wrong

• Wrong: you make the distance four times as large. The 2-second distance is time times speed: twice as fast is twice as many metres, so 55 m at 100 km/h, not 110 m.
• Wrong: you use one fixed distance for every speed. 2 seconds is a time; the faster you drive, the more metres you cover in that time. Rule of thumb: speed divided by 2, plus 10%: 27.5 m at 50 km/h, 55 m at 100 km/h.

Topic: The 2-second rule: fixed point, counting, formula

Read the rule: Core: The 2-second rule: fixed point, counting, formula

Sections

• Challenge: The 2-second rule: fixed point, counting, formula
• The model: The 2-second rule: fixed point, counting, formula
• Core: The 2-second rule: fixed point, counting, formula
• Why it matters: The 2-second rule: fixed point, counting, formula
• Active recall: The 2-second rule: fixed point, counting, formula
• Teach back: The 2-second rule: fixed point, counting, formula
• Memory hook: The 2-second rule: fixed point, counting, formula

Terms

• Afstand 2secondenregel is geen letterlijke wettekst
• Afstand 2secondenregel praktisch minimum
• Afstand formule snelheid gedeeld door 2 plus 10 procent
• Measuring following distance with a fixed point
• The open legal standard for distance (RVV art. 19)

Related questions

• Near Hoofddorp you are driving 100 km/h on
• Near Bakkum you see the car ahead pass
• Watch the muted ~5 s clip

Related topics

• 3-second rule: greater following distance in rain, snow, fog and heavy loads
• Towing a trailer or caravan: 90 km/u is never 'just always'
• Motorway: 130 standard, 100 by day — and the fixed 80 on some ring roads