On a snow-covered road, what is the recommended minimum following distance?

On snow-covered roads, the recommended minimum following distance is 6 seconds or more. This extended distance is crucial for several reasons.

When driving in conditions such as snow, the road surface becomes slippery, increasing the stopping distance required to avoid a collision. Typically, under ideal conditions, a 3-second following distance is advised, but this can be significantly insufficient in low-traction situations. By increasing the following distance to 6 seconds or more, drivers have a greater safety margin to react to sudden stops or sliding of the vehicle ahead.

This recommendation is based on the need for extra time to assess the surrounding environment, anticipate potential hazards, and apply brakes safely without losing control of the vehicle. It helps prevent rear-end collisions that are common in winter weather due to poor visibility, reduced traction, and longer stopping distances. Overall, maintaining a longer following distance in snowy conditions is an essential practice for safe driving.