When following another vehicle how much driving time should you maintain between?

When driving, maintain at least three seconds of following distance between your car and the car ahead of you. This rule of thumb helps to ensure that you have enough time to react if the vehicle ahead of you brakes suddenly. Here is a simple method to measure this distance:

1. Choose a fixed point on the road ahead, such as a signpost or tree.

2. As soon as the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes your fixed point, start counting seconds (silently or aloud).

3. If you reach three seconds before your car reaches the same fixed point, you are maintaining a safe following distance.

4. If you reach less than three seconds, you need to increase your following distance by slowing down.

Remember that the three-second rule is a minimum following distance. In bad weather conditions or heavy traffic, you may need to increase it to four or even five seconds for greater safety.