What is the primary purpose of the '2-second rule'?

The primary purpose of the '2-second rule' is to maintain a safe following distance. This rule helps drivers ensure they have sufficient space between their vehicle and the one in front of them, allowing for adequate reaction time in case the vehicle ahead suddenly slows down or stops.

When applying this rule, a driver should select a fixed point on the road and start counting seconds as the vehicle in front passes that point. If the driver reaches that point before counting to two, they are following too closely and should increase their distance. This practice is essential for road safety, as it reduces the likelihood of rear-end collisions, which can occur when a driver does not have sufficient time to react to the actions of the vehicle ahead.

The options related to increasing speed during heavy traffic, signaling other drivers, and preparing for sudden stops do not focus on the fundamental concept of maintaining a safe distance to prevent accidents, which is the core objective of the '2-second rule'.