Question: I feel like I see so many vehicles tailgating and following too close. I remember people talk about a so-many second following tip. Can you remind me and others what that is?
Answer: Applying the “Three-Second Rule” helps you keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you. This rule is for standard-length vehicles driving in ideal conditions.
- Choose a fixed reference point at the side of the road ahead, such as a telephone pole, signpost, tree or bridge.
- When the vehicle ahead of you passes the reference point, begin counting: “One-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.”
- If you pass the reference point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.
- Gradually slow down until you reach a safe following distance and speed.
When road conditions are poor, or if you are driving a vehicle longer than the standard length, increase your following distance to a four- or five-second count.
If the vehicle behind you is following too closely, slow down slightly and allow it to pass.
You can avoid a ticket – and a crash – if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. Or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.
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