Final answer:
Maintaining a safe following distance, commonly using the 3-second rule, is important so you can react and stop safely. Increase this distance in poor conditions or when driving larger vehicles. Braking distance is a critical factor to consider.
Step-by-step explanation:
When following another car, it is recommended to maintain a safe following distance to ensure you have enough time to react and stop if necessary. This is typically referred to as the 3-second rule, where you should stay at least three seconds behind the car in front of you under ideal driving conditions. To measure this, you pick a stationary object on the road ahead, like a signpost. When the car in front of you passes it, start counting seconds until your vehicle passes the same object. If you reach the object in less than three seconds, you're following too closely. In poor weather conditions or when driving a larger vehicle like a truck, this time should be increased to provide a greater margin of safety. It is also important to consider the braking distance, which can be affected by road conditions and driver reaction time.