What is the recommended distance to keep from the vehicle in front of you?

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for safe driving, allowing enough time to react if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops or slows down. The recommended distance of at least three seconds gives drivers a buffer that helps ensure they can safely stop without colliding with the vehicle ahead.

This three-second rule is based on a simple method: when the vehicle in front passes a stationary object (like a sign or a tree), the driver should count, "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three" before reaching the same object. This technique helps assess whether the following distance is adequate for the current speed.

In adverse conditions, such as rain or poor visibility, it's advisable to increase this distance even further, as stopping distances can be significantly longer. While shorter distances, like one or two seconds, may seem sufficient under ideal circumstances, they do not allow enough reaction time for emergencies or unexpected changes in traffic conditions. Keeping at least three seconds of following distance provides a more secure margin for safety.