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

Maintaining a following distance of at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you is essential for safe driving. This distance allows for ample time to react to sudden stops or emergencies. The "three-second rule" states that when the vehicle ahead of you passes a fixed point, such as a sign or lamp post, you should be able to count at least three seconds before your vehicle reaches that same point. This timing gives you a buffer to safely respond to any changes in the traffic situation, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.

For example, if you’re driving at a standard speed and the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes, a three-second gap provides enough time for you to assess what’s happening and brake accordingly without getting too close. This rule is particularly important in adverse weather conditions, where stopping distances can increase significantly.