What is the recommended following distance when driving behind another vehicle?

The recommended following distance when driving behind another vehicle is three seconds. This distance allows for sufficient time to perceive and react to sudden changes in traffic, such as the vehicle in front of you coming to a stop or slowing down unexpectedly. Maintaining a three-second gap provides a buffer that helps to minimize the risk of collisions, especially in varying traffic conditions and inclement weather.

This time-based method of measuring distance is effective because speed can vary widely, and rather than relying on physical distance (which can change depending on speed), using seconds helps drivers adjust their following distance appropriately based on how fast they are driving. A greater following distance is especially important in situations where road conditions may be slippery or visibility may be poor, as it allows ample time to respond to any potential hazards on the road.