What does the 3-second rule specify?

• A. It is a rule to maintain at least 5 seconds of following distance.
• B. It is a rule based on counting 3 seconds between your vehicle and a fixed marker.
• C. It is a rule used to calculate stopping distance precisely.
• D. It is a 2-second rule used for following distance.

Answer: (B)

The 3-second rule is a time-based following-distance guideline. Pick a fixed object ahead, and as the vehicle in front passes it, start counting seconds. If you can’t reach the marker after counting to three, you’re too close and should back off to create a three-second gap. This gives you enough time to react and stop if the lead vehicle suddenly slows or stops. It’s about time, not a precise distance, and you’ll want more than three seconds in poor weather, on slick roads, or when following large vehicles. It’s not about five seconds or two seconds; the standard practice is to aim for about three seconds.