What is the recommended following distance under normal conditions?

The recommended following distance under normal driving conditions is three seconds. This guideline helps ensure a safe buffer between vehicles, allowing drivers adequate time to react to sudden stops or emergencies. Three seconds is a practical measure that accounts for the average reaction time of a driver and provides a safe space, minimizing the risk of a collision in various traffic conditions.

To establish this following distance, one can use a simple method: choose a fixed point along the road, such as a sign or a tree, and when the vehicle in front passes that point, begin counting "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three." If you reach the fixed point before completing the count, you are following too closely and should increase the distance. This method is effective during different weather conditions and at various speeds, promoting safe driving practices.