Tom's Rider Education Page

How Close is Too Close?

ANSWER: A 2 second minimum is recommended. The key word is "minimum." Depending on your skills, confidence, weather and traffic conditions you may need to increase this.

To calculate this, use this method:

As the vehicle in front of you passes over a shadow or another mark on the road, begin to count: "one thousand one; one thousand two" etc..... If you arrive at the mark before you reach one thousand two, you are following too close. Roll off of the throttle and establish a safe following distance. This method can be used while driving your car.

Just as in life, when riding a motorcycle, you will make and execute better, safer decisions when you have more time.