What should be your following distance under normal driving conditions?

Maintaining a following distance of 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead is vital for safe driving. This time-based rule allows drivers to have enough space to react to sudden stops or emergencies without tailgating, which can lead to collisions. The 3-second rule is based on the idea that a greater following distance allows for reaction time and increased stopping distance, taking into account factors such as road conditions, visibility, and the speed of the vehicles.

In normal driving conditions, this distance effectively serves as a buffer that helps to avoid accidents caused by abrupt changes in traffic flow. Adjustments should be made for adverse conditions, but 3 seconds is considered a safe standard for most driving environments.