Ask A Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow

Question: I feel like I see so many vehicles tailgating and following too close. I remember people talk about a so-many second following tip. Can you remind me and others what that is?

Answer:  Applying the “Three-Second Rule” helps you keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you. This rule is for standard-length vehicles driving in ideal conditions.

1. Choose a fixed reference point at the side of the road ahead, such as a telephone pole, signpost, 

tree or bridge. 

2. When the vehicle ahead of you passes the reference point, begin counting: “One-thousand-one, 

one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.”

3. If you pass the reference point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.

4. Gradually slow down until you reach a safe following distance and speed.

When road conditions are poor, or if you are driving a vehicle longer than the standard length, increase 

your following distance to a four- or five-second count.

If the vehicle behind you is following too closely, slow down slightly and allow it to pass.