Texas DMV Written Driving Practice Test

The safe following distance under normal driving conditions is at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This guideline is based on the principle that it gives you adequate time to respond to sudden stops or emergencies. When maintaining a three-second gap, you can gauge your distance by choosing a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree. When the vehicle ahead passes that point, you should be able to count "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three" before your front bumper reaches the same point.

This distance provides enough time to react to any unexpected changes, such as sudden braking from the vehicle in front or unforeseen obstacles in the road. In addition, it takes into account that higher speeds or adverse weather conditions may require greater distances for safety. Therefore, while a shorter distance like one or two seconds might feel adequate in light traffic, it does not provide the necessary buffer for safety in more typical driving conditions.