What does the 3-second rule for following distance mean?
You must stop for 3 seconds at every stop sign
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You should stay at least 3 car lengths behind the vehicle ahead
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After the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, at least 3 seconds should pass before you reach that same point
You should check your mirrors every 3 seconds
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The 3-second rule means: when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point (like a sign), count 3 seconds before you reach that same point. This ensures a safe following distance. Increase to 4-6 seconds in bad weather.
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