One of the most important driving rules is the three-second rule, but what is it, and what does it mean? We explain this critical driving rule and other safe driving principles below.
The three-second rule is one of the most important driving tips to keep everyone on the road safe. It’s a rule that every new driver should learn and that even the most experienced drivers should always follow. But what does the three-second rule mean while driving?
Simply, the rule means drivers should always leave three seconds of space between their vehicle and the one in front of them. This gap can vary depending on the speed of the vehicles—a three-second gap at 20 mph will be smaller than a three-second gap at 60 mph. With three seconds of separation, all drivers should have enough time to brake or safely change lanes to avoid a crash.
Another good tip to follow is to remember the LLLC principles of driving—look ahead, look around, leave room, and communicate.
Drivers need to look where they’re going but shouldn’t just focus on what’s immediately in front of them. Drivers must be prepared, so looking ahead is important to observe potential road dangers. Looking ahead helps drivers spot traffic, pedestrians, road signs, and everything else people need to look for while driving.
Drivers must also be aware of their surroundings—it’s why cars have so many mirrors! Every few seconds, drivers should check their entire surroundings in their mirrors to quickly diagnose any potential hazards and judge the spacing of other vehicles on the road.
As we mentioned in the three-second rule, leaving space between your car and other vehicles is essential to road safety. But drivers should remember that they should leave room on all sides of their vehicle, not just the front. Driving side-by-side with another vehicle can be dangerous, especially if you fall into their blind spot.
Communication is perhaps the most important part of driving safely. Obviously, we can’t talk to other drivers while on the road, so we need to use our vehicle’s communication tools—turn signals, brake lights, headlights, and horns.
Turn signals and brake lights are especially important, as they communicate to other drivers the speed of your vehicle and its intended direction. Therefore, you should never drive with faulty brake lights or turn signals. Also, you should use your horn only for emergencies to alert drivers or pedestrians, no matter how frustrating sitting in traffic can be!
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