What is the distance you should keep from the vehicle in front of you while driving?

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for preventing collisions and ensuring that you have sufficient time to react to the actions of the vehicle in front of you. The recommended following distance is typically at least a 3-second gap. This distance allows drivers to gauge their speed and the conditions of the road ahead, accounting for factors such as weather, traffic, and the behavior of other drivers.

A 3-second rule is effective because it gives you a buffer zone, providing enough time to stop safely if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes or encounters an unexpected situation. For instance, if you are traveling at 60 km/h, maintaining a distance that equates to 3 seconds means you should remain about 50 meters behind the vehicle.

This distance is flexible; you may need to increase it in adverse weather conditions, at higher speeds, or when driving a larger vehicle, as these factors can affect your stopping distance. Having a 3-second following distance is a foundational aspect of defensive driving and helps ensure that you are prepared for the unexpected while on the road.