What is the BEST rule for determining following distance?

The best rule for determining following distance is the Three-Second Rule. This guideline suggests that a driver should remain at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front, which provides a safe distance for reacting to sudden stops or emergencies. To measure this, you can select a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree, and count the seconds it takes for your vehicle to reach that point after the vehicle in front of you passes it.

The advantage of the Three-Second Rule is that it accounts for variations in speed and road conditions. It creates a buffer that can be increased in poor weather or when driving a larger vehicle. This helps ensure that drivers have enough time to react and stop safely, reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.