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Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Safe Following Distance: How Far Back to Stay
Following too closely can leave too little distance to stop, and it is a 6-point violation on an Indiana driver record. Here is what the Indiana BMV Driver's Manual and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) training manual say about following distance and stopping.
2-3 secondsminimum gap behind the vehicle ahead (Indiana BMV)
80.7 feettraveled in one second at 55 mph (Indiana BMV)
6 pointsfor following another vehicle too closely (Indiana BMV)
+1 secondfor each hazardous condition, such as rain (FHWA)
The short answer
The Indiana BMV says to stay at least two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead; FHWA's training manual suggests adding time in rain or when you are short on sleep. Count it by noting when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object and how long it takes you to reach the same object.
The Indiana BMV following distance rule
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says a good rule for drivers to follow is to stay at least two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. When following a vehicle, watch for it to pass a fixed object and estimate how much time elapses before you pass the same object.
The manual also says that excessive speed, even when conditions are ideal, is dangerous, and that driving at or above the posted limit is even more dangerous in bad weather and poor visibility, on slick or icy roads, with worn tires, with unsafe vehicle conditions, when physically impaired, or with hazardous conditions on the road surface. See our Indiana speed limits guide.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
How far you travel in one second
The BMV manual's chart shows how fast distance adds up:
| Speed | Feet in one second | Traffic lanes in one second | Seconds to travel a football field |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 mph | 51.3 | 2.6 | 5.8 |
| 55 mph | 80.7 | 4 | 3.7 |
| 70 mph | 102.7 | 5.1 | 2.9 |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (braking and following distances), read November 3, 2026.
What affects your ability to stop
The BMV manual lists these factors:
Vehicle weight
Weight of the vehicle.
Brakes
Type and condition of brakes.
Tires
Type and condition of tires.
Pavement
Physical condition of the pavement.
Slickness
Slickness of the pavement. See what is hydroplaning.
Grade
Grade of the road.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Adding time for hazards
FHWA's training manual says experts suggest a minimum of three seconds in good conditions, with one second added for each hazardous condition. Its examples:
| Condition | Following distance |
|---|---|
| Good conditions (flat, level, dry pavement, daytime) | At least 3 seconds |
| It is raining | Add 1 second |
| It is raining and has been raining all night (standing water) | Add 2 seconds |
| You slept only six hours the night before | Add another second |
From the FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues, Lesson 4, read November 3, 2026.
Points for following too closely
The BMV manual lists following another vehicle too closely as a 6-point violation, the same as failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. Points stay active on your driver record for two years from the conviction date.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 5: Points, Suspension, and Insurance Requirements, read November 3, 2026. Laws change; check the current manual.
When someone is tailgating you
FHWA's training manual lists ways to make the situation safer:
Stay to the right
Keep to the right side of the road.
Add space ahead
Increasing your own following distance makes it easier for tailgaters to pass.
Look far ahead
Avoid quick changes by monitoring the road ahead at least 12 to 15 seconds.
Maintain your speed
It is safer to be tailgated at lower speeds than at higher speeds.
Communicate early
Use your turn signals, signal early, tap the brake pedal and reduce speed very gradually.
From the FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues, Lesson 4, read November 3, 2026.
Keep your brakes and tires ready
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 3, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Following distance FAQ
How many seconds should I stay behind the car in front in Indiana?
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says a good rule is to stay at least two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. FHWA's training manual suggests a minimum of three seconds in good conditions, plus one second for each hazardous condition.
How do I measure following distance?
The BMV manual says to watch for the vehicle ahead to pass a fixed object and estimate how much time elapses before you pass the same object.
How far does a car travel in one second at common speeds?
The BMV manual's chart shows 51.3 feet at 35 mph, 80.7 feet at 55 mph and 102.7 feet at 70 mph.
What affects how quickly a car can stop?
The BMV manual lists the weight of the vehicle, the type and condition of the brakes and tires, the physical condition and slickness of the pavement, and the grade of the road.
How many points is following too closely in Indiana?
The BMV manual lists following another vehicle too closely at 6 points. Points stay active on your driver record for two years from the conviction date.
How much extra distance should I leave in rain?
FHWA's example adds one second if it is raining, and two seconds if it has been raining all night and there is standing water.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Following distance rules and point values are from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Manual, and hazard guidance is from the Federal Highway Administration's Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, all read November 3, 2026. Laws change; this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (speed, braking and following distances), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified July 7, 2026, read November 3, 2026
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 5: Points, Suspension, and Insurance Requirements (point values), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified July 7, 2026, read November 3, 2026
- FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues (Lesson 4: General Safe Driving Practices), Federal Highway Administration, FHWA-HOP-16-050, read November 3, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026