What is the ‘three-second rule’ in driving safety?

The 'three-second rule' in driving safety refers to a guideline for maintaining a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This rule suggests that you should allow at least three seconds of time between vehicles when traveling at a speed that is reasonable for road conditions.

To apply this rule, drivers can choose a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree. When the vehicle ahead passes that point, the driver then counts, "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three." If the driver reaches the same fixed point before finishing the count, they are following too closely and should increase the distance.

This practice is crucial because it provides adequate reaction time in case the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or slows down. Maintaining this distance can significantly reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, especially in adverse weather conditions or during heavy traffic.