What is the general rule for how far back you should stop behind another car?

The general rule for stopping behind another car is that you should be able to see their tires touching the ground. This guideline is important for maintaining an appropriate distance that allows for adequate reaction time in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops. By seeing their tires, you have a clear visual marker that helps ensure that you are not too close, which can lead to a rear-end collision. Having this space provides a buffer zone, so if the driver in front needs to brake quickly, you have enough room to react and apply your brakes safely as well.

While other options suggest varying distances, such as a vehicle length or multiple car lengths, they may not provide the most practical or safe measure for distance in every situation, especially since the size of vehicles can vary significantly. Staying in the next lane over is also not a safe alternative, as it does not take into consideration the need to stop behind the vehicle if necessary. Therefore, the ability to see the tires on the road provides a consistent and reliable reference for maintaining a safe following distance.