This is an extremely useful topic. I think admins should stick this topic so that the maximum number of people can see this.
Few things I want to point out: Keep 4 seconds (not 2 seconds) difference between you and the car in the front for 10 ft long vehicle. Add 1 extra second for every extra 10 ft of vehicle due to momentum. Question is how do you know you have 4 seconds (and not 1..!!!)
You choose a stationery landmark and once the rear of the car in front passes that landmark you start counting: 1000-1, 1000-2, 1000-3, 1000-4. The front of your car should cross the landmark after 1000-4. With some practice you will not need to count and can estimate the safe distance between you and the front vehicle.
Some other tips I learnt:
Aim High at the steering - Try to see as far as you can so that you can plan better. Look out for turns, stationery cars on the side, intersections, shopping carts, buses at the stop. Planning ahead is the key to defensive and safe driving
Get the big picture - Try to get as much wider picture as you can. This may help you especially if vehicles (or yourself) is coming from side lane. Again, intersections are very important to scan.
Keep your eyes moving - Do not get tired and stare into blank zone. A lot of us have tendency to do that especially on highways. If you keep your eyes moving to the front, rear view mirror, gauges, side mirrors etc, this will help to beat the tiredness and the sleep as well keep you vigilant from all sides..
Leave yourself an out - Whatever move you are making, even while going straight, leave yourself to manouver into in case an unexpected pile up happens. The best place to leave yourself an out is the in front of you (as the cars are moving in the same direction). I understand that this is not always possible but you should always try for your own safety.
Make sure they see you - Especially true for intersections, residential areas, playgrounds, schools, crossing etc. For padestrians and children, make sure that you have an eye contact in order to make sure who goes first. Same is true for intersections. Someone once told me that never try to cross the child from the front and the old man from the rear. Child will always run to come in the middle of the road and old man will always stop in the middle of the road..
Hope this helps people in reducing accidents and make our roads safer..!!!
Good Day..!!!