What is considered an unsafe following distance?

A following distance of less than three seconds is considered unsafe because it does not provide enough time to react to sudden stops or emergencies from the vehicle in front. The three-second rule is a commonly accepted guideline that allows drivers adequate time to respond to events occurring on the road, ensuring a safer driving experience. If the driver is following too closely, they may not be able to stop in time if the leading vehicle suddenly brakes, significantly increasing the risk of a collision.

Longer following distances, such as four or five seconds, are generally recommended in various driving conditions, particularly in adverse weather or heavy traffic, to enhance safety and reaction time. Thus, maintaining at least a three-second gap is essential for defensive driving.