"Our newer car has a feature whereby it's cruise control can be set to follow a car automatically at one, two, or three car lengths."
I think we both own Subarus. The Eyesight system actually maintains much larger intervals than that although there are only three or four spacing choices. I just leave it at the maximum spacing. At 60-65 mph it's more like 6-7 car lengths when you choose the longest spacing, at least on my Outback.
It's amazing how the automatic braking in this system slows you rapidly to a stop 10-20 feet behind the car in front of you, should you not be paying attention. I found this out by hovering my foot over the brake many times and it has worked every time. Great system that could, in the future, prevent tailgating if it were on all the time. Currently the automatic braking only works under about 25-35 mph, I believe, unless you have the cruise control on and have set the spacing interval. A terrific safety feature. Does take getting used to.
