A key goal of driving defensively is to make sure you have enough time to react to a mistake made by another driver. Tailgaters are an unfortunate fact of the road and one of the leading causes of collisions. Combine tailgating with speeding, and the results are often deadly. It’s important to follow the three-second rule and not to become a tailgater yourself because if the car ahead of you stops or slows suddenly, you may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting it.
The three-second rule is a rule of thumb by which a driver may maintain a safe trailing distance at any speed. The rule is that a driver should ideally stay at least three seconds behind any vehicle that is directly in front of his or her vehicle. During adverse weather or hazardous road conditions, it is important to maintain an even greater distance.
The three-second rule applies at all speeds and is a way to easily maintain space between you and the car in front.
How To Estimate A Three-Second Following Distance:
- First select a fixed object on the road such as a sign, tree or overpass.
- When the vehicle ahead of you passes the object, slowly count "one one thousand, two one thousand,three one thousand."
- If you reach the object before completing the count, you're following too closely.
- You will need an extra cushion of space if you are traveling on slippery roads or other adverse conditions.
Heavy Traffic or Night-Time Driving
In heavy traffic or when driving at night, increase the three-second rule to six seconds. You’ll need more time to react in these situations.
Poor Weather
If the weather conditions are very poor (e.g., heavy rain or fog) increase your following distance to nine seconds.
Heavy Loads
Use a five-second rule if you are carrying a trailer. The extra weight requires extra time to stop.
Motorcycles
Use a five-second rule when behind a motorcycle.
The three-second rule has been shown to considerably reduce risk of collision, and the severity of an accident, if an accident occurs. It also helps to avoid tailgating and road rage for all drivers.
A key goal of driving defensively is to make sure you have enough time to react to a mistake made by another driver. Tailgaters are an unfortunate fact of the road and one of the leading causes of collisions. Combine tailgating with speeding, and the results are often deadly. It’s important to follow the three-second rule and not to become a tailgater yourself because if the car ahead of you stops or slows suddenly, you may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting it.
The three-second rule is a rule of thumb by which a driver may maintain a safe trailing distance at any speed. The rule is that a driver should ideally stay at least three seconds behind any vehicle that is directly in front of his or her vehicle. During adverse weather or hazardous road conditions, it is important to maintain an even greater distance.