What is the rule for safe following distance?

The three-second rule is the guideline advocated for maintaining a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This rule suggests that you should select a fixed point along the road, such as a sign or a tree, and once the vehicle ahead passes that point, you should be able to count to three before you reach the same point.

This practice helps improve safety by ensuring you have enough space and time to react in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly slows down or stops. It accounts for various factors that affect stopping distance, such as speed, road conditions, and driver reaction time. By maintaining at least a three-second gap, drivers increase their chances of avoiding rear-end collisions and other accidents.

Choosing a following distance that is either shorter or longer can compromise safety. For instance, a one-second rule is far too short, especially in variable conditions, while a gap longer than three seconds may be unnecessary under typical circumstances. The three-second rule strikes a balance that is effective for safe driving.