In adverse conditions, how should you adjust your following distance relative to the two-second guideline?

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In adverse conditions you need more space than the two-second rule provides. Wet, icy, or snowy roads, poor traction, and reduced visibility all increase stopping distances and the time it takes to react. So you should increase your following distance to more than two seconds to give yourself a larger safety margin. To apply this, pick a fixed object ahead and count seconds as you pass it; if you reach the object before you’ve counted several seconds, you’re following too closely and should back off. In heavy rain, snow, or ice, extend the gap even more, slow down, and maintain extra room to safely react to any sudden braking or hazards.