What is the "three-second rule"?

The "three-second rule" is a method for maintaining a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This rule is based on the idea that you should ideally remain at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you to allow sufficient time to react in case of sudden stops or emergencies.

To apply the rule, you can choose a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree, and when the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes that point, you should start counting. If you reach the same point before reaching three seconds, you're following too closely and need to increase your distance. This technique helps prevent rear-end collisions and promotes safer driving by ensuring adequate reaction time based on speed and road conditions.