How far back should you ideally be when driving at highway speeds (60 mph) from the vehicle ahead?

Maintaining a following distance of three seconds at highway speeds, such as 60 mph, is considered a safe practice. This distance allows for a buffer zone that gives you sufficient time to react to sudden stops or emergencies involving the vehicle in front of you.

At 60 mph, vehicles travel approximately 88 feet per second, so a three-second gap equates to about 264 feet. This distance is important for reaction time since it helps ensure that you can safely stop without colliding with the vehicle ahead. Additionally, it takes time for a driver to perceive a hazard and apply the brakes, which is why a longer following distance is advisable at higher speeds.

While a car length or a two-second gap might seem like adequate distances, they do not provide the necessary time and space to respond effectively to unexpected changes in traffic conditions. A four-second distance, although safe, may be more than what is needed for general driving conditions at highway speeds; therefore, three seconds strikes a balance between safety and practicality.