Final answer:
The 'three-second rule' is the minimum recommended following distance behind a vehicle in ideal conditions, which allows enough time for a driver to react and avoid potential accidents. This should be increased in less than ideal conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum recommended rule for following behind a vehicle when weather and roadway conditions are ideal is often called the 'three-second rule.' This easy-to-remember guideline says that you should stay at least three seconds behind the car in front of you at any speed. To check this, you select a fixed point that the car in front of you passes, and once it does, you start counting. If it takes less than three seconds before your car passes the same point, you are following too closely. This rule allows you time to react and avoid potential accidents.
However, keep in mind that this rule applies to ideal conditions. In less than ideal conditions, such as bad weather or heavy traffic, you should increase your following distance accordingly. In situations with rain, snow, or ice, or if you're driving a larger vehicle, the following distance should be expanded to five seconds or more for extra safety.