How many seconds should a driver maintain from the vehicle in front?

Maintaining a distance of 3-4 seconds from the vehicle in front is crucial for safe driving. This time interval allows drivers to have adequate space to react to any sudden stops or emergencies that may occur in front of them. The 3-4 second rule is based on the idea that it provides enough time for a driver to respond appropriately, especially under various driving conditions such as bad weather, heavy traffic, or when traveling at higher speeds.

By counting off seconds while the vehicle in front passes a fixed point—like a sign or a tree—drivers can better gauge the distance they should maintain. If you are traveling at higher speeds or in less-than-ideal conditions, it may be wise to increase this distance to allow for longer reaction times.