What is the rule of thumb for following distance at highway speeds?

Maintaining a following distance of at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you is crucial for safe driving, especially at highway speeds. This guideline allows drivers sufficient time to react in case the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes or encounters an obstacle. A 3-second gap gives you the opportunity to assess the road conditions and adjust your speed accordingly, reducing the risk of collisions.

To measure this following distance, you can select a fixed point on the roadway, like a sign or a tree. When the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes that point, begin counting seconds (one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three). If you reach the point before finishing your count, you're too close and should increase your following distance for safe driving.

In contrast, shorter distances may not allow for adequate reaction time, which is why options suggesting less than 3 seconds are not considered safe practices. Likewise, while a longer distance can be beneficial in some scenarios, maintaining a 5-second gap may not be practical in heavy traffic conditions, leading to possible disruptions and frustration for other drivers.