What minimum time-based following distance does the Michigan driver's manual recommend in normal conditions?
1 second.
1 second is too short in any conditions.
3 seconds.
10 seconds.
10 seconds is only needed in extreme conditions.
Half a car length.
Distance is measured in time, not car lengths.
Michigan (like most US states) teaches the "3-second rule": pick a fixed point and count the seconds between the vehicle ahead passing it and your front bumper reaching it. In rain, fog, or at night, increase to 4–6 seconds. Behind large trucks or motorcycles, add additional time.
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