What is a following distance that generally provides enough time to stop or swerve in an urgent situation?

Maintaining a following distance of 4 seconds is generally recommended for motorcyclists as it allows ample time to react in urgent situations. This distance gives riders enough time to observe the road ahead, anticipate potential hazards, and respond appropriately. Factors such as road conditions, weather, and visibility can affect stopping and reaction times, and a 4-second cushion provides a margin of safety under most circumstances.

If a rider is too close to the vehicle in front, it decreases the time available to react to sudden stops or obstacles, which can result in collisions. The 4-second rule helps ensure that even if the vehicle ahead stops abruptly, the motorcyclist has sufficient time to either stop safely or maneuver around the danger. Thus, understanding this concept is vital for safe riding practices and helps reduce the likelihood of accidents.