Which rule uses a three-second rule to estimate following distance?

• A. Four-second rule
• B. Two-second rule
• C. Five-second rule
• D. Three-second rule

Answer: (D)

Using a time-based rule to estimate following distance. The three-second rule means you should keep enough distance so that you would pass the same fixed point on the road at least three seconds after the vehicle in front of you does. In practice, pick a reference point—like a sign or a tree—and when the car ahead passes it, start counting. If you reach the reference point after at least three seconds, you’re following at a safe distance for typical conditions. If not, slow down a bit to increase the gap.

This rule is specifically about a three-second time interval. Other guidelines use different intervals—two seconds is a tighter following distance, while four or five seconds provide more margin, especially in wet, icy, or high-speed conditions—but they describe different rules.