What is the distance that should be maintained when following another vehicle in good conditions?

The recommended following distance in good conditions is about 3 seconds. This rule helps drivers maintain a safe distance that allows sufficient time to react in the event the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or slows down. The three-second rule means that when the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed point (like a sign or a tree), you should be able to count three seconds until you reach that same point. This distance provides a balance, allowing time for brakes to be applied without being too far removed from the vehicle in front, thus increasing safety while improving road fluidity.

Choosing a shorter following distance can result in insufficient time to react to unexpected situations, while a greater distance is typically unnecessary in stable, low-traffic conditions, which is why maintaining a three-second gap is commonly advocated. This guideline applies under normal driving conditions; in adverse weather or traffic situations, an even greater distance would be advisable for safety.