What is the minimum following distance you should maintain at high speeds?

Maintaining an appropriate following distance is crucial for safe driving, particularly at high speeds. The correct choice of three seconds offers a balance between adequate space to react and the speed at which vehicles are moving. At high speeds, your stopping distance increases significantly, meaning you need more time to react to any situation that may arise, such as sudden stops or obstacles in the road.

The three-second rule allows for this extended reaction time. By keeping this distance, drivers can ensure they have enough space to stop safely without risking a collision if the vehicle in front of them brakes suddenly. It effectively provides the driver with a buffer zone that adjusts for different conditions, such as weather, road type, or the condition of the vehicle. Thus, it's a widely accepted guideline in defensive driving practices, especially on highways or fast-moving traffic scenarios.