Question: I can’t help but notice, but a lot of people seem to follow each other very closely on the highways. It’s been many years since I started driver training, but what is the following distance recommendation?

Reply: Here is the information shared in the Minnesota Driver’s Handbook. Following the “3 Second Rule” helps you maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This rule is for standard length vehicles driving in ideal conditions.

1. Choose a fixed reference point on the side of the road ahead, such as a telephone pole, sign, tree or bridge.

2. When the vehicle in front of you passes the reference point, start 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. Slow down gradually until you reach a safe following distance and speed.

When road conditions are poor or you are driving a vehicle longer than the standard length, increase your following distance by up to 4 or 5 seconds. If the vehicle behind you is following you too closely, slow down a bit and let it pass.

Send your questions about traffic laws or topics in Minnesota to: Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol, 1000 Highway 10 W., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. Follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at [email protected].