What is the minimum recommended distance to stay behind a vehicle while following?

The minimum recommended distance to stay behind a vehicle while following is at least 3 seconds. This time interval allows drivers to maintain a safe following distance, which is essential for reacting to sudden stops or emergencies by the vehicle in front. By following the 3-second rule, a driver can better ensure that they have adequate time to stop safely without tailgating, which can lead to rear-end collisions.

Maintaining this distance becomes particularly important in various conditions such as adverse weather, heavy traffic, or when driving larger vehicles that require longer stopping distances. The 3-second rule serves as a guideline that is easy for drivers to calculate and helps promote safe driving practices.

To add context, a longer distance, such as 4 seconds, might be more prudent under challenging driving conditions, but the 3-second rule is the minimum recommendation for normal circumstances.