What is the three-second rule primarily used for in driving?

The three-second rule is primarily used to maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. This rule helps drivers assess adequate spacing, which is crucial for ensuring enough time to react in case the vehicle in front suddenly slows down or stops.

When following another vehicle, a driver can choose a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree. Once the vehicle in front passes that point, the driver should be able to count to three before reaching the same point. If the driver reaches the point before counting to three, it indicates that they are too close and should increase the distance to prevent rear-end collisions. This practice improves safety on the road and reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by inadequate reaction time.

The other options describe various aspects of driving but do not pertain to maintaining a safe following distance, which is the specific purpose of the three-second rule.