Why do we leave a 3 second gap on a dry road surface?
Highway Code Rule 126 embodies the well-known phrase:
Only a fool breaks the two second rule!
Why then do Advanced Drivers leave a 3 second gap when driving in dry conditions?
The simple answer is that the ‘2 second’ gap is a minimum following distance; therefore, if you have a 3 second gap you are complying with HC Rule 126, but with a greater safety margin. However, there is more to it than that!
HC Rule 126 gives a Table showing Thinking Distance; Braking Distance and Overall Stopping Distance for speeds up to the legal maximum speed of 70mph.