Which rule can help drivers maintain a proper distance when towing?

The three-second rule is a simple yet effective guideline that helps drivers maintain a safe following distance, especially when towing. This rule suggests that a driver should choose a stationary object on the road ahead and, when the vehicle in front of them passes that object, the driver should count to three. If the driver reaches the object before finishing the count, they are following too closely and should increase their distance.

This rule is especially significant when towing because towing increases both the weight and length of the vehicle, which requires more stopping distance and reaction time. By maintaining a three-second gap, a driver can allow for a margin of safety that accommodates the additional inertia and braking requirements of the towed load, reducing the risk of a collision.

In contrast, shorter time intervals like two-second, one-second, or even fractions of a second may not provide sufficient distance for the added complexities and dynamics involved with towing, thereby increasing the likelihood of an accident. The three-second rule is widely accepted as a safe and practical measure for various driving conditions, particularly when towing is involved.