‘Three-Second Rule’ Ask A Trooper
Sgt. Troy Christianson
Question: I feel like I see so many vehicles tailgating and following too close. I remember people talk about a so-many second following tip. Can you remind me and others what that is?
Answer: Applying the “Three-Second Rule” helps you keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you. This rule is for standard-length vehicles driving in ideal conditions.
1. Choose a fixed reference point at the side of the road ahead, such as a telephone pole, signpost, tree or bridge.
2. When the vehicle ahead of you passes the reference point, begin counting: “Onethousand- one, one-thousandtwo, one-thousand-three.”
3. If you pass the reference point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.
4. Gradually slow down until you reach a safe following distance and speed.
When road conditions are poor, or if you are driving a vehicle longer than the standard length, increase your following distance to a fouror five-second count.
If the vehicle behind you is following too closely, slow down slightly and allow it to pass.
