You can use the "3-6 second" rule to determine if you have enough cushion between you and the vehicle you are following. When the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point, such as a sign or over-pass, count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three, one-thousand-four." This takes about four seconds. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely. At faster speeds, the distance should be greater. At times you will need more than a 3-second cushion (e.g., poor road conditions). Give yourself 3 to 6 seconds for more cushion. Help the driver behind you maintain a safe following distance by driving at a constant speed and signaling in advance whenever you are slowing or stopping. If another driver follows you too closely move to another lane if there is room or, when the road ahead is clear, gradually slow down and move to the right. These actions should encourage the tailgater to pass you. Remember, what you do can affect the driver behind you, especially if you must stop suddenly.