Final answer:
2) The three-second rule. The general rule when choosing a safe following distance is the three-second rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general rule when choosing a safe following distance is the three-second rule. This means that you should maintain a distance from the car in front of you that would allow you to come to a complete stop within three seconds if the car in front suddenly stops. To determine if you are following at a safe distance, pick a fixed point on the road and count the number of seconds it takes for the car in front of you to reach that point after it passes it. If it takes less than three seconds, you are following too closely and should increase your following distance.