At expressway speeds, what should be your minimum following distance?

The correct minimum following distance at expressway speeds is indeed 3-4 seconds. This recommendation is based on the need for a safe cushion of space between vehicles, especially at higher speeds where stopping distances increase significantly. The 3-4 second rule provides drivers with enough time to react to sudden stops or emergencies ahead.

At expressway speeds, even a momentary distraction can lead to serious accidents, so having this adequate distance allows for better visibility and reaction time to vehicles that may change speed unexpectedly. Drivers should count the seconds by noting when the vehicle in front of them passes a fixed point, such as a roadside sign, and then counting until they pass that same point. If the time taken is less than 3 seconds, it means they are following too closely, increasing the risk of a collision.

In contrast, shorter following distances, like 1-2 seconds, may not provide enough time to react safely in critical situations. Having a distance greater than 4 seconds may be overly cautious for most expressway conditions, where the flow of traffic typically maintains higher speeds and requires responsiveness. Therefore, maintaining a 3-4 second following distance strikes a balance between safe stopping capability and efficient traffic flow.