Final answer:
You must maintain a safe distance, or following distance, between your vehicle and others to allow time to react and prevent collisions, using the 3-second rule or more in adverse conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
You must keep a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles and highway users. This concept is often referred to as maintaining a following distance, which allows enough time and space to react in case the vehicle in front of you comes to a sudden stop or slows down. The general rule of thumb is to use the 3-second rule for ideal driving conditions. In adverse conditions, such as rain, snow, or heavy traffic, it is advisable to increase this distance. Keeping a proper following distance is crucial for safety on the road and to prevent collisions.
A general rule of thumb is to maintain a minimum distance of three seconds between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This distance should be increased in situations where visibility is reduced, such as fog or heavy rain, or when road conditions are poor, such as icy or wet surfaces.
By keeping a proper distance, you provide yourself with enough time and space to react to sudden changes in traffic, reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, and maintain overall safety on the road.