What is the purpose of the four-second rule in driving?

The four-second rule in driving is designed to help maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. This rule suggests that you should choose a stationary object on the road, such as a sign or tree, and start counting when the vehicle in front of you passes it. If you reach the same object in less than four seconds, you are following too closely and should increase your distance. This interval allows for adequate reaction time in case the leading vehicle suddenly slows down or stops, reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.

While reducing speed at intersections, awareness of blind spots, and signaling lane changes are all important aspects of safe driving, the primary focus of the four-second rule is on maintaining a proper distance to enhance safety for you and other road users. This distance helps ensure that you have enough time to react to unexpected changes in traffic conditions.