How should you establish a safe following distance from another car?

To establish a safe following distance from another car, using the 3-second rule is recommended. This rule involves picking a fixed object on the side of the road, such as a sign or a tree, and counting the seconds it takes from the time the vehicle ahead of you passes that object to the moment your vehicle reaches the same object. A gap of three seconds ensures that you have enough time to react in various driving conditions, providing a buffer that increases with speed.

The 3-second distance is considered a good balance between safety and practicality. It allows for adequate time to stop or maneuver if the vehicle in front makes an abrupt stop or changes lanes unexpectedly. In adverse weather conditions, a longer following distance is advisable, which further emphasizes the importance of the 3-second guideline in promoting safe driving practices.