What does the three-second rule mean?

The three-second rule is an effective way to assess that you have enough distance to the vehicle in front.

What you do in concrete terms is you choose a point that can be, for example, a road post and then when the vehicle in front of you passes the road post you start counting seconds. If the mark is passed before the three seconds, then you are too close to the vehicle in front and should then increase the distance by reducing the speed.

It is of the utmost importance to keep your distance from the vehicle in front but also sideways when passing buses and parked vehicles, all to keep in mind the basic safety. If the three-second rule is applied, you have time to brake in time and thus avoid a collision if the car in front crosses.