What is the purpose of the '12-second rule' in driving?

The '12-second rule' serves as a guideline for maintaining a safe following distance while driving. By looking ahead down the road, a driver can estimate how far they are from the vehicle in front and ensure they maintain sufficient space to react to any sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions.

When you practice the 12-second rule, you focus on a fixed point in the distance and count to twelve as the vehicle ahead passes that point. This helps you establish whether you're too close to the vehicle in front of you and if you need to increase your following distance. By allowing for this time buffer, you can enhance safety for yourself and other road users by reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.

Other options, while related to driving, do not accurately capture the essence of the 12-second rule. For instance, measuring speed during an emergency or determining the time of day does not pertain to following distance, and calculating distance traveled is unrelated to maintaining a safe distance on the road.