Watch the muted ~5 s clip: you follow a car on a road outside the built-up area. Tap HAZARD! the moment you see the hazard develop, then choose what you do at the frozen frame: brake, release the accelerator or nothing?

Explanation

Correct choice: brake — the car ahead braking suddenly (1.4 m away, ~0.1 s to contact) is in your path; releasing the accelerator or doing nothing leaves too little room.

Why learners get this wrong

• Releasing the accelerator is not enough here: the car ahead braking suddenly — 1.4 m away, ~0.1 s to contact. Only braking keeps you clear of the hazard (stop within the distance you can see to be clear).
• Doing nothing is dangerous here: the car ahead braking suddenly — 1.4 m away, ~0.1 s to contact, right in your path. You must brake.

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

• On the N242 near Opmeer the car ahead
• The legal rule is open
• About The 2-second rule

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