To maintain a safe distance, how many seconds should you follow the vehicle in front of you?

Following the vehicle in front of you at a distance of 3-4 seconds is widely recognized as a safe practice. This time frame allows for adequate reaction time in case the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or slows down. By maintaining this distance, you can better assess the situation on the road and respond appropriately to any unexpected actions from other drivers.

The 3-4 second rule helps ensure that you have enough space to stop safely without risking a collision, providing a cushion that accounts for factors such as your speed and road conditions. In adverse weather or heavy traffic, it is often advisable to increase this following time even more to account for reduced visibility and longer stopping distances.