Drivers are required to observe a safe following distance. West Virginia law (§17C-7-10) prohibits a driver from following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent considering the speed of the two vehicles, the traffic and the condition of the highway.
Here is what to know about the safe following distance:
How many feet should be between two cars?
While West Virginia does not specify the exact distance a driver should maintain behind another car, a safe following distance of two to three seconds is recommended on clear, sunny days. This means when a lead vehicle passes a stationary object, such as a tree or road sign, it should take a following vehicle two to three seconds to pass the same object.
During adverse weather and road conditions, the safe following distance should be increased, generally to four to five seconds. For example, during rain, fog, snow or nighttime, or when driving on an icy road, an uneven road or a construction zone.
Traffic experts also recommend increasing the safe following distance during heavy traffic. With vehicles frequently stopping and slowing down, more space allows a driver to react safely.
Moreover, an operator of a commercial or heavy vehicle must not follow within 200 feet of another vehicle when on a roadway outside of a business or residence district. They need more space, as their vehicle requires more time to stop. Without the added space, a heavy vehicle can crash into a lead car despite braking if the latter unexpectedly slows down, for instance, because of traffic or an obstruction of the road.
A driver who fails to observe the safe following distance or increase it when needed can endanger you. If you were injured by such a driver, you should learn more about your case and options.
