What is the safe following distance rule on highways?

[Harrison]

The safe following distance rule on highways is: For small passenger vehicles, the safe following distance should equal the speed limit on the highway. Key points: 1. Example: When driving a small passenger vehicle at speeds exceeding 100 km/h on the highway, the minimum following distance should be 100 meters. 2. Regulations: According to Article 80 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, when a motor vehicle travels on a highway at speeds exceeding 100 km/h, it should maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from the vehicle ahead in the same lane. When the speed is below 100 km/h, the following distance may be appropriately reduced, but should never be less than 50 meters.

[AidenDella]

Whenever I drive on the highway, I remember that following distance rule—the three-second rule. Simply put, when the car in front passes a fixed point, like a roadside sign or a bridge pillar, I start counting silently in my head: one second, two seconds, three seconds. If I reach that point before finishing the count, it means I'm too close and at risk of a rear-end collision. Once, I was in a hurry and didn’t pay attention, almost hitting the car ahead. Since then, I’ve made this a habit. On the highway, speeds are high, and reaction times are short—the three-second gap provides enough buffer space, especially when overtaking or in traffic jams. Actually, this method was taught in driving school, but many people are too lazy to use it. I find it extremely practical, helping you drive more steadily and reduce accidents.

[Joe]

After decades of driving, I deeply understand the core of the highway following distance mantra—maintaining a three-second gap. The operation is simple: select a landmark passed by the car in front, start counting, and only when you reach that spot after three seconds is it considered safe. In good weather, three seconds is the baseline; during rain, snow, or at night, I extend it to four or five seconds to avoid insufficient braking distance. In my younger days, I used to ignore this for speed, but an emergency brake incident later made me realize the risks. This mantra is not just a rule but an accumulation of experience, making driving more composed, protecting both myself and others' safety. I highly recommend beginners to practice and develop this habit.

[McJocelyn]

As a rule enthusiast, I'm familiar with the highway following distance mnemonic—the three-second rule, which means maintaining a following distance of at least three seconds. The specific method is to watch the vehicle ahead pass a reference point, then count three seconds before you reach that point; otherwise, you're too close. This provides sufficient reaction and braking time, reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions. Studies show that most highway accidents are caused by following too closely. The mnemonic is simple and effective, suitable for all drivers to master, especially when applied at speeds of 100 km/h to ensure safety. It's recommended to adjust the distance based on different conditions, such as on slippery roads.

[VanRosalie]

When driving on the highway with my family, I particularly emphasize the following distance rule—remember the three-second gap. The method is to pick a roadside marker, and only reach that point three seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it, ensuring safety. This provides ample time to prevent sudden incidents, especially when children are in the back seat—I pay extra attention. In worsening weather conditions, I extend the gap further to protect my family. By making this a habit, every trip becomes more reassuring, with fewer unnecessary scares.