Describe the 'three-second rule' for safe following distances.

The 'three-second rule' is a guideline for maintaining a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. To apply this rule effectively, you begin by selecting a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a stationary object. Once the vehicle directly in front of you passes that point, you start counting seconds. You should count to three before your vehicle reaches the same point. If you reach the point before you finish counting to three, you are following too closely and need to increase your following distance.

This rule helps ensure that you have enough time to react to any sudden stops or changes in speed by the vehicle in front of you, thereby reducing the risk of collisions. It is particularly useful because it takes into account various conditions such as speed, weather, and road surface, allowing for a flexible assessment of safe distance tailored to the situation.

The other options do not provide a suitable method for gauging following distances in relation to other cars. Counting from a traffic light turning green or when speed limits change are not relevant to the timing context of maintaining a safe distance in traffic. Similarly, counting from when you apply the brakes does not consider the variable factors that impact safe following distances.