3 Second Rule And How It Can Save you From A Car Accident

When you drive a car, you are driving it knowing that a simple action has many possible risks. Even so, with these risks come several responsibilities. On average more than thirty thousand people die every year in car crashes in the US. Unfortunately, driver error is mostly the cause of these accidents.

This means that if drivers follow a few basic sets of rules of driving, such deaths can be prevented. While there are many practices one should keep in mind to decrease the risk of harming yourself and others, the one that stands out is the 3 Second Rule. Now, you may be curious; what is the three second rule in driving? In simple words, it is a rule that has the potential of saving lives.

What is the 3 Second Rule?

Did you know that most crashes are caused by drivers following too near the automobile in front? As a matter of fact, without adequate space between vehicles, the car behind is unable to stop in time if the car in front decides to halt all of a sudden.

Here is where the 3 second rule comes into play. According to the 3 second rule, it is best to keep a tentative distance of at least three car lengths between your car and the car in front. Apparently, one can travel the distance of three vehicles in only three seconds at an average speed. This is a proven way of avoiding rear-end crashes. However, if you are still involved in a car accident, it is recommended to seek legal assistance. They can provide invaluable support, guiding you through the complex legal processes and helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. 

Calculating the Distance

Although it sounds tough in theory, it is relatively easy to measure the distance you need between your vehicle and the car in front. For example, you can pick a stationary object by the road (e.g., a tree), and once the vehicle in front reaches said object, begin counting and record the time it takes you to reach it, too. Now, if you reach the thing before you have slowly counted to three, you are too close and should slow down.

Driving too close to another vehicle can cause avoidable accidents. It is also known as tailgating.

People Who Should Be Given More Space

According to a few handbooks, a few kinds of people should be given even more space. These drivers and people are:

• Drivers whose view of you is blocked
• Driver who is forced into your lane to avoid an obstacle
• Drivers backing out into your lane
• Preoccupied people (for example, delivery drivers)
• Drivers slowing down for no obvious reason

Exceptions

The 3 second rule does not apply if the car in front is immobile. For example, the vehicle could be halted at a stop sign or traffic light. There is no reason to maintain a large space between cars in such cases. Furthermore, in stop-and-go traffic in town, it can be pretty hard to consider a 3-second space. But, for your safety, it is wise to leave a big enough gap between your car and the one right ahead of you so that you can stop the car in case the one in front stops suddenly.