Maintaining a crash avoidance space is a part of defensive driving. This rule of thumb, also known as the three-second rule, is maintained by the driver to follow a safe driving distance at any speed, with an appropriate distance between his car and the other car. Parramatta driving school propagates this rule which plays a major role in safety.
But how does one count or determine the three seconds? Well, all you need to do is count three seconds in your head to judge your crash avoidance space. First, select an object in front of your vehicle; it could be a lamppost, a tree, or a signboard. When the vehicle ahead of you passes that object, slowly just count one thousand and one, one thousand and two, and one thousand and three. However, if you reach the focussed object before completing your count, then you are following too closely. So go a little slow and make sure that there are three seconds between you and the car ahead. This will give you time and distance to tackle any unfortunate problems in the lane ahead of you. Sydney driving lesson teaches this in a practical manner to all its students and thus helps them master low-risk driving.
However, though the three-second rule is the golden rule when the weather conditions are not favourable, or if there is major traffic or if it's dark or late night hours, you can double the three-second rule to six or even nine seconds. This three-second rule is handy and useful in avoiding tailgating, i.e. following a vehicle too closely, which has been often reported as a major cause of most rear-end collisions. A good driving instructor will always alert you about the perils of tailgating and will be taught in a driving lesson.
So, control speed and increase safety. Follow the three-second rule and minimise the risks or accidents on the roads while you are driving!