What is the minimum safe following distance in good driving conditions?

The minimum safe following distance in good driving conditions is typically considered to be a three-second gap between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This allows sufficient time to react to any sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions.

Following this rule gives drivers an adequate buffer to assess the situation ahead and react appropriately to potential hazards. This distance can be adjusted based on the speed of travel; for example, at higher speeds, a greater following distance is advisable to provide adequate reaction time.

This principle is rooted in defensive driving practices, where maintaining a safe space not only promotes safety for the driver but also contributes to overall traffic flow and minimizes the risk of rear-end collisions.