What is a safe distance to keep when following another vehicle?

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for road safety, as it allows sufficient time to react if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops or encounters a hazard. The two-second rule is a commonly recommended guideline for determining a safe distance. By watching a stationary object on the side of the road, one can count the seconds it takes for the vehicle in front to pass that object. If you reach the object before completing the two-second count, it indicates you are following too closely. This rule helps provide a buffer zone that accounts for various driving conditions, including changes in speed or road conditions.

The option of three seconds refers to the recommendation for optimal safety under ideal conditions, particularly in adverse weather or with larger vehicles. Therefore, while two seconds can be a minimum guideline, three seconds is often encouraged in practice. The emphasis on right-of-way does not pertain to following distances and does not contribute to safe driving practices.