What are some ways to ensure you can stop in time if something happens in front of your car?

Q: What is the basic rule for determining a safe following time?

Whats good about the 3 second rule is that it helps you keep a safe following-distance at any speed. Using the 3 second rule gives you a bigger following-distance the faster you drive. Generally speaking, you should allow more than a 3 second following-distance in rain, fog and on icy roads.

Índice Show

What is a safe following distance?
Time-lapse method
Video of safe following distances
Being prepared for general wet weather
Driving safely in general wet weather
Drive slowly
Double the distance between you and the car in front
Driving safely in floods
Flood road signs
Flood safety tips
What are the four steps of stopping the car?
What are some reasons you should leave a following distance greater than two seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you?
What could you do to keep calm in difficult driving situations?
What is the basic rule for determining a safe following time?

You must drive a safe distance behind a vehicle travelling in front of you. Following another vehicle too closely is known as tailgating. If you tailgate you may not be able to safely stop in time to avoid a collision.

Safe following distances vary depending on:

your speed
the driving conditions
the type of vehicle you’re driving.

What is a safe following distance?

In most cases, a safe following distance is much longer than a car length.

You should drive at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front during ideal conditions.

Add 1 second extra for each 3m of trailer length—when driving a vehicle towing a trailer or caravan.

Remember to also:

double your following distance in poor conditions
increase following distances if you're driving a heavy vehicle.

Time-lapse method

Cars using the time-lapse method

You can use the time-lapse method to keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front.

Pick a mark on the road or an object close to the left-hand side of the road, such as a power or light pole.
When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes the object, count ‘1 thousand 1, 1 thousand 2’ (this takes about 2 seconds).
If the front of your vehicle passes the object before you finish counting, you are too close, so drop back.

Video of safe following distances

Watch the video to get a better understanding of safe following distances.

You may think leaving one car length between you and the car in front of you is safe.

But, that's not always the case.

Safe following distances vary according to traffic speed and weather conditions and according to the type of vehicle you're driving.

In good conditions, you should allow 2 seconds between your car and the vehicle in front of you.

Here's an easy way to work that out.

Pick a mark on the road or an object close to the left hand side of the road, such as a power pole.

When the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes that object, count 'one thousand one, one thousand two'.

If the front of your car passes the object before you've finished counting, drop back, you're following too closely.

Now if you're towing a trailer or caravan, you'll need to allow 2 seconds, plus an extra second for every 3 metres of trailer.

If you're driving a heavy vehicle, double the distance and allow at least 4 seconds following distance.

If conditions are poor, also allow 4 seconds between you and the car in front, more if you are driving a heavy vehicle.

Rear-end collisions are the most common types of crashes, so play safe and keep your distance.

Last updated:13 April 2015

Being prepared for general wet weather

Driving in wet weather can be very dangerous. You should prepare and frequently maintain your vehicle to make sure you will always be as safe as possible when driving in wet conditions.

To get your vehicle ready for driving in wet weather make sure:

you have good tyre tread (at least 1.5mm deep across the whole tyre width)
all of your vehicle’s lights work well
your windscreen and lights are clean.

Driving safely in general wet weather

We recommend you look at weather forecasts and road condition updates, and plan your drive before heading out on long trips. This will help you to avoid driving in and around unsafe conditions. However, our weather can change dramatically, even within the space of a short drive. When you find yourself in unexpected wet weather (such as a quick moving storm), follow these safety tips.

In wet conditions:

drive slowly—to avoid aquaplaning and skidding
drive with your lights on low beam (it is easier to see with low beam in fog)
use your air conditioner or demister to keep your windscreen clear of condensation
double the distance between you and the car in front
avoid braking suddenly or accelerating or turning quickly—to reduce your chances of skidding
do not drive on unsealed roads
use road line markings to stay in the middle of your lane—in wet weather it is more important than ever to stay in the correct position on the road
do not drive on roads covered with water (even partially covered)
watch out for landslides—heavy rain can cause layers of rock and soil to move
stay away from stagnant water by the side of the road (it can be very bad for your health).

Drive slowly

When driving in wet weather, you should always remember that the signed speed limit is the maximum safe speed in ideal driving conditions, so you may need to drive slower in wet weather.

Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning is where there is a build-up of water between the road surface and your tyres, causing them to lose contact with the road surface completely. If this happens, you may lose control of your vehicle.

To reduce your chances of aquaplaning in wet weather, slow down and do not use cruise control.

Skidding

If some of your vehicle’s tyres slip, but you still have some traction on the road, you are skidding. If your vehicle starts skidding, it may become difficult to control. Wet surfaces can increase your risk of skidding. When you are driving in the wet, reduce your speed and allow all of your tyres to grip to the road at all times.

To prevent skidding:

accelerate smoothly
brake smoothly
corner smoothly.

Double the distance between you and the car in front

If you drive too close to the vehicle in front of you, you are likely to crash if they brake suddenly. Keep far enough back so that, if they do something you are not expecting, you can still stop in time.

In good weather, make sure there is at least 2 seconds between you and the vehicle in front.

Cars

If you are driving a standard car, you should drive at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. In wet weather, you need to double your stopping time—so you will need to travel at least 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front.

Heavy vehicles, trailers and caravans

If you are driving a heavy vehicle, you should drive at least 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. In wet weather, you need to double your stopping time to at least 8 seconds. If you are driving a vehicle with a trailer or caravan attached, you should allow at least 2 seconds for your car and 1 second for each 3m of your trailer/caravan in normal conditions. In wet weather, you will need to allow at least 4 seconds for your car and 2 seconds for each 3m of your trailer/caravan.

How to judge the distance

To work out how many seconds you are behind the vehicle in front of you:

Pick a mark on the road, or an object close to the left side of the road (such as a power pole).
When the back the vehicle in front of you passes the mark or object, count ‘one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three, one-thousand-four’. This takes about 4 seconds.
If the front of your vehicle reaches the mark or object before you finish counting, you are too close and need to drop back.

Driving safely in floods

Floods can occur almost anywhere in Queensland and can rise over days, or in minutes in a flash flood.

Do not travel in flooded areas unless it is essential. If you must drive in or near a flooded area, try to view updates on road conditions and closures before heading out—so that you can take the safest possible route. But importantly, never attempt to drive across a flooded road.

Flood road signs

To keep you safe and protect our roads, we must carefully manage roads that have been flooded.

To do this, we may:

close roads
put load restrictions on and around flooded roads
put traffic controls at and around flooded roads.

If you need to drive in an area that has been flooded, signs will warn you of the roads that are unsafe to use. Always follow the directions of flood road signs and drive with extreme caution. Learn the flood barriers and signs.

Flood safety tips

If you must drive in a flooded area:

never drive on a road or bridge covered with water—floodwaters can be fast moving and contain debris
always take extra care when driving on a road or bridge that has been recently flooded—as it may be damaged or still drying out.

Learn more about road safety in floodwaters.

Last updated:18 November 2013

What are the four steps of stopping the car?

The Four Rules.

Rule #1: First to arrive, first to drive. If you arrive at the intersection first, come to a complete stop, then proceed. ... .

Rule #2: Right of way goes to the right. ... .

Rule #3: Straight doesn't have to wait. ... .

Rule #4: Left turn yields to right..

What are some reasons you should leave a following distance greater than two seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you?

Some examples of when you should increase your following distance are:.

Driving in bad weather..

When it's hard to see the road ahead..

Driving on roads that are wet, slippery or in poor condition..

Changing lanes..

Driving at night..

Driving on dirt or gravel roads..

Driving in unfamiliar areas..

What could you do to keep calm in difficult driving situations?

To avoid stress driving, here are some tips to reduce anxiety behind the wheel..

Take deep breaths. If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed while driving, take a few deep breaths. ... .

Adjust position. ... .

Listen to music. ... .

Leave extra space. ... .

Allow extra time. ... .

Pull over..

What is the basic rule for determining a safe following time?

What's good about the "3 second rule" is that it helps you keep a safe following-distance at any speed. Using the "3 second rule" gives you a bigger following-distance the faster you drive. Generally speaking, you should allow more than a 3 second following-distance in rain, fog and on icy roads.