Mississippi Written Drivers Test Practice

What is the minimum safe following distance you should maintain behind another vehicle?

1. At least 1 second

2. At least 2 seconds

3. At least 3 seconds

4. At least 4 seconds

The correct answer is: At least 3 seconds

Maintaining a minimum safe following distance of at least 3 seconds behind another vehicle is crucial for safe driving. This distance allows enough time to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, such as the vehicle in front of you braking abruptly. The 3-second rule is a guideline that helps ensure that drivers have adequate space to stop if necessary, especially under varying road conditions or in inclement weather. To measure this distance, pick a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree. When the vehicle in front of you passes that point, count how many seconds it takes for you to reach the same point. If it takes at least 3 seconds, you're maintaining a safe following distance. This practice helps reduce the risk of rear-end collisions and gives drivers more time to make critical decisions in an emergency. Adopting a longer following distance—more than 3 seconds—can be beneficial, especially in adverse driving conditions or when driving a larger vehicle that requires more stopping time.