Final answer:
The 3-second rule should be used on dry surfaces when traveling under 35 mph to ensure sufficient following distance and stopping time. The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rule you should use on a dry surface when you are traveling under 35 mph is the 3-second rule. To apply this rule, you watch the vehicle ahead of you pass a fixed point, such as a sign or a tree, then count "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three." If you pass the same fixed point before you finish saying "one thousand three," you are following too closely. This rule ensures you have enough reaction time and stopping distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you in case of sudden stops or changes in traffic.
It is also crucial to understand that the 3-second rule is the minimum recommended following distance in ideal driving conditions. It might need to be increased in poor conditions that affect visibility or braking distance, such as wet or icy roads. Moreover, the stopping distance for a vehicle is determined not only by the reaction time of the driver but also by the quality of the vehicle's brakes, tires, and the road surface. Traveling at a speed of 30.0 m/s with a reaction time of 0.500 seconds means the vehicle will continue to travel a considerable distance before the brakes even begin to slow the vehicle down.