What is the minimum following distance you should maintain behind another vehicle?

Maintaining a minimum following distance of at least three seconds behind another vehicle is crucial for ensuring safe driving. This distance allows sufficient time to react in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops or slows down. The three-second rule helps accommodate various driving conditions, including road conditions, weather, and your own reaction time.

To implement this rule, you can choose a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree. When the vehicle in front of you passes that point, start counting the seconds until your vehicle reaches the same point. If you reach it in under three seconds, you're following too closely and should increase your distance.

While shorter distances might be suitable in very light traffic or in more controlled environments, they often do not provide enough reaction time in emergencies, which is why the three-second rule is the recommended standard for most driving conditions. Adhering to this ensures better safety for you, your passengers, and other road users.