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Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

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.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and of course, drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848; or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.