You could be the best driver on the road. But if you follow a car improperly, you put yourself into a lot of risk. In many states, if you rear end another vehicle, you're liable to be charged with following too closely. Even if the other driver recklessly slammed the brakes when they didn't need to.
Use the "two count" rule when you follow a car. Find a point of reference ahead of the other car, such as a road sign, a mile marker or something you could keep track of. As soon as the car in front of you passes it, count "one thousand one, one thousand two." If you pass that marker before you say "one thousand two," then you're too close.
Stay out of the other driver's blind zone when you follow a car from an adjacent lane. Move up, or fall back when there's plenty of road space ahead and behind both your car and the other car. Always make sure that the other driver can see you in one of his mirrors if traffic conditions permit.
Have reliable communications when you're following someone to a common destination. Purchase a "walkie talkie" that has extensive ranges. Do a practice run and follow your friend's car while both of you talk to each other. Get this down pat so that you can follow each other long distances.
Think distance and blending in when you follow a suspicious driver's car. Make sure that there's plenty of road between you two so that they continue with their plan--and avoid evasive action.
