Question: I can’t help but notice but it seems like a lot of people are following each other too close out on the highways. It’s been many years since I was in driver’s education but what is the recommendation for following distance?

Answer: Here is information that is shared in the Minnesota Driver’s Manual. 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.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205.  (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).