I think you misunderstand the purpose of the 2 second rule, the faster you go the greater the distance pursuant to the 2 second rule. The 2 second rule was brought about back when cars had drum brakes so it is more than sufficient with modern cars.XMas wrote: It should be noted that the faster you go, the greater the distance you should keep back from the cars ahead, ergo more seconds = greater distance = safer driving
1m distance per mph is the rule of thumb, but at higher speeds and in poor conditions you should decrease your speed and increase the distance its not one or the other!
OK so you could argue that thinking time can be delayed/longer as braking distances have shortened with new technology but judging by the amount of rear-enders and spin outs I have witnessed on the motorway, I think no one can do the math.
As a rule though I stay well back from cars in front at any speed, in 25 years of driving I've never rear ended anyone or even come close although I've had a few idiots go into the back of me. Without a doubt that XM would have done if I had decided to slam on my brakes for no reason.
To continue the pedanticness(sic) it's maths...we're not in the USA.