It is a guideline for maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. The method involves selecting a stationary object on the road, such as a signpost or overpass. When the vehicle in front passes that object, begin counting “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two.” If one’s own vehicle passes the same object before finishing the count, the following distance is too short and needs to be increased.
Adhering to this principle can significantly reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. It provides adequate time to react to unexpected events, such as sudden braking by the preceding vehicle. While the exact origin of the recommendation is difficult to pinpoint, it has become a standard element in driver’s education programs worldwide due to its effectiveness in improving road safety. This practice inherently contributes to smoother traffic flow.
