How far should you stay behind the vehicle in front of you?

The recommendation to maintain at least three seconds of following distance is based on the concept of safe driving practices that allow sufficient reaction time and space to stop in case of sudden changes in traffic conditions. This method involves picking a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree, and counting the seconds it takes for your vehicle to reach that point after the vehicle in front of you has passed it.

This three-second rule provides flexibility based on speed and conditions; in adverse weather or when driving at higher speeds, increasing this distance is advisable to enhance safety. The three-second gap is widely recognized as a standard guideline for safe driving, allowing a driver to react appropriately to any sudden stop or unexpected actions from the lead vehicle.

Maintaining one or two car lengths, particularly in varying traffic conditions or at higher speeds, may not provide enough reaction time. Following the five-second guideline, while safer in certain conditions, may often be impractical in urban driving situations with more dynamic traffic patterns. Thus, the three-second rule strikes a balance between safety and practicality.