* Road conditions: Wet, icy, or snowy roads require significantly more following distance.
* Traffic conditions: Heavier traffic demands more space to react.
* Your vehicle's braking ability: A vehicle with worn brakes or poor tires needs more distance to stop.
* Your reaction time: This varies from person to person.
The "3-second rule" is a commonly used guideline. To use it:
1. Choose a stationary object (like a sign or tree) ahead of the car in front of you.
2. When the car in front passes the object, start counting "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three."
3. If you reach the object before you finish counting, you are following too closely.
At 65 mph, this 3-second rule will translate to a much greater distance than the older, less safe "one car length per 10 mph" guideline. That older guideline is inadequate and unsafe at higher speeds.
In short: Don't focus on a specific number of car lengths. Use the 3-second rule to maintain a safe following distance at 65 mph (or any speed). Remember to always increase your following distance in adverse conditions.
