The Three-Second Rule: Not Just for Driving

Heading back to Atlanta from Asheville last weekend, I was amazed to observe the number of drivers who don’t fully grasp (or give credence to) the dangers of tailgating. Have they never heard of the Three-second Rule (or its older sibling, the One-car-length-per-ten-miles-per-hour Rule)?

Apparently not.

As one who never tailgates (I take pride in my safe-driving habits — no tickets in, uhm, eight months is it?), some interesting questions came to mind:

Am I breaking the three-second rule in some other, non-automotive way? Is there some other facet of life where applying this rule might be especially helpful?

For me, the answer’s easy: Yes. In group dialogue.

As much as I try to break the habit, I too often don’t give enough distance between my responses and the thoughts — and the narrative — of others. I’m all too eager to follow too close behind, believing I’ve completely understood all the nuance, ready to chime in with “yes, and,” “yes, but,” “I beg to differ,” “Here’s what I think…”

I mean, it’s all about contributing, right?

But what if I applied the Three-second Rule to group discussion, driving a safe distance behind, matching speed, signaling a lane change and passing safely when needed.

What if I leave enough of a gap to fully process the meaning, intent and relevance of my fellow travelers, still contributing to the flow, but not putting anyone in danger of some kind of pileup?

Seems to me this should be a relatively easy rule to apply.

It’s only three seconds, but it might make all the difference.