What is the minimum following distance you should maintain during normal driving conditions?

The minimum following distance you should maintain during normal driving conditions is three seconds. This rule is based on the idea that at least three seconds of space provides a safer distance to react to sudden changes in traffic. It allows a driver enough time to perceive a hazard or unexpected event, assess the situation, and react accordingly, whether that reaction be braking, steering, or accelerating.

The three-second rule helps compensate for various driving conditions such as road surface, visibility, and the driver's own reaction time. It is particularly important when driving in conditions that might cause a delay in stopping, such as on wet or slippery roads, or when following larger vehicles that may obstruct your view of potential hazards ahead.

Establishing this three-second gap can be simplified by picking a stationary object on the roadside and counting the seconds it takes to reach that object after the vehicle in front of you passes it. If it takes less than three seconds to reach the object, you should increase your following distance to allow for a safer driving experience.