Final answer:
The minimum recommended following distance in ideal conditions is three seconds, which helps maintain safe spacing on the road.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum recommended following distance in ideal riding conditions is typically referred to as the "three-second rule." This rule suggests that a driver should stay at least three seconds behind any vehicle that is directly in front of the driver's vehicle. It is important to maintain this buffer in case the vehicle in front needs to stop suddenly.
Using the information provided about Bridget observing cars from her class window, if cars take 3 seconds to travel between two poles that are 50 meters apart, they maintain a safe following distance. If a driver is following another car that passes a certain point, the driver should not pass that same point for at least three seconds to ensure safety.