When following another vehicle how much driving time should you maintain between yourself and the vehicle you are following in seconds?

Answer 1

During city driving use the one car length for every 10 miles or follow the 3 second rule. Watch the vehicle in front of you to pass some kind of landmark, a bridge, mile marker or building. Then start counting..one one thousand, two one thousand, etc you should be able to get to 3 before you pass the same landmark. Leave more time if you have a longer heavier vehicle, the roads are wet from rain or snow, or if you are on the highway going at higher speeds. Then it becomes the 5 second or more rule. Remember to wear your seat belt and error on the side of caution
one foot
The rules from various authorities differ, but the minimum time for safe reaction is 2 seconds (some say 3 seconds) and 4 seconds on wet roads.
Whenever I drive, my parents tell me that I should be at least three seconds behind the car in front of me.

To determine this difference, look at when the front of a car passes a street sign or other stationary object and count the number of seconds until the front of your car reaches that same stationary object.

But counting and finding your distance isn't the really important part. What my parents stress more is that you cannot be so close to a car that you don't have time to react to it. You need to keep enough space between you and the car in front of you so that if it stops, you can safely stop as well.

Answer 2

It depends on your vehicle's stopping capabilities and speed. You need to leave enough thinking and stopping time to allow your car to come to a complete stand still without hitting the car in front. With modern cars and good road conditions, 2-3 seconds is usually adequate but it is not a guarantee.

Answer 3

300 Feet