According to the 3-second rule, what is the proper following distance?

The 3-second rule recommends that a driver maintain a following distance of three seconds behind the vehicle in front. This guideline is rooted in ensuring adequate time to react to sudden stops or emergencies. By counting three seconds from the moment the vehicle ahead passes a specific point, a driver can establish a safe distance that allows for sufficient reaction time. This is particularly important in preventing collisions, as traffic conditions can change rapidly.

Maintaining this three-second cushion helps accommodate various factors such as weather conditions, road types, and the speed at which vehicles are traveling, all of which can influence stopping distances. A following distance of one second would be too short, lacking the necessary reaction time, while five or ten seconds would be unnecessarily cautious in typical driving situations, potentially leading to traffic flow issues.