What should your following distance ideally allow for?

The ideal following distance is primarily about maintaining a safe stopping space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This distance ensures that you have enough time to react and stop if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes or encounters an obstacle. By allowing for adequate stopping distance, you reduce the risk of a rear-end collision, which can occur if you are too close to the car in front. Factors such as speed, road conditions, and weather can all affect how much space you need, but the primary goal is always to ensure that you have enough room to stop safely without needing to make sudden, dangerous maneuvers.