When driving with a slippery surface, how much should you increase following distances?

Increasing following distances when driving on slippery surfaces is crucial for maintaining safety and control. The recommendation to increase your following distance by a factor of two means that if you typically leave a one-second gap between you and the vehicle in front under dry conditions, you should extend that gap to two seconds when the road is slippery. This increased distance allows for more time to react to sudden stops or movements by the vehicle ahead, which is especially important on surfaces that may reduce traction and increase stopping distances. The two-second rule provides a buffer that compensates for the longer reaction and stopping times required in slippery conditions, enhancing your ability to navigate safely.

Drivers may underestimate the impact of wet or icy surfaces on vehicle performance, making this adjustment critical to avoid collisions. Although other increases in distance may seem beneficial, two times the standard distance balances increased safety without being overly cautious to the point of creating traffic congestion.