What is the minimum recommended following distance when driving on a congested expressway during rush hour?

The minimum recommended following distance on a congested expressway during rush hour is 5 seconds. This duration provides a buffer that accounts for a variety of factors that can affect stopping distance and reaction times in heavy traffic situations. During rush hour, traffic may be unpredictable, with vehicles frequently changing lanes, sudden stops, or slow-downs due to congestion.

By maintaining a 5-second distance, drivers allow themselves ample time to react to the actions of vehicles ahead, which can help prevent rear-end collisions. This following distance also gives drivers the opportunity to assess their surroundings better and make safer driving decisions.

While shorter following distances, such as 3 or 4 seconds, may be acceptable under lighter traffic conditions, they may not provide sufficient distance during the complexities of rush hour driving, where the likelihood of abrupt stops significantly increases. This focus on a greater following distance is part of a defensive driving strategy that emphasizes safety and awareness on the road under varying traffic conditions.