What rule should you follow to maintain a safe following distance when operating a taxi, ambulance, or van?

When operating a taxi, ambulance, or van, maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for ensuring both your safety and that of your passengers. The recommended rule for safe following distance in these types of vehicles is typically a minimum of 3 seconds. However, a following distance of 2 seconds might not provide adequate reaction time in all situations, particularly in urban environments where these vehicles may encounter sudden stops due to pedestrians or other vehicles.

A following distance of 3 seconds allows you to maintain control and react appropriately if the vehicle in front of you suddenly slows down or stops. This margin gives you time to assess the situation ahead and is particularly important with the added unpredictability that can occur in emergency or passenger transport situations. Hence, while 2 seconds might seem sufficient in ideal conditions, the greater buffer of 3 seconds is widely recognized as a safer standard across various driving contexts, especially for vehicles tasked with rapid response or transporting people.