How Can Beginners Maintain Safe Following Distance?
2 Answers
For novice drivers on the road, it's crucial to pay attention to the distance confirmation signs and auxiliary lines on highways. In adverse weather conditions such as fog, rain, or snow, it's essential to stay alert, increase the safe following distance, and avoid following vehicles that obstruct your view. When the vehicle ahead brakes at high speed, gently tap your brakes to alert the vehicle behind. Below are some extended tips: 1. Pay attention to distance confirmation signs and auxiliary lines on highways: When driving on highways at speeds exceeding 100 km/h, maintain a safe distance of at least 200 meters from the vehicle ahead in the same lane. 2. In adverse weather conditions like fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail with low visibility, be extra cautious: Double your following distance to ensure safety and prevent rear-end collisions. 3. Avoid following large vehicles that block your view: If you must follow a large vehicle, increase your following distance and look for opportunities to overtake safely. 4. When the vehicle ahead brakes at high speed, gently tap your brakes: This not only helps maintain distance but also alerts the vehicle behind to slow down, reducing the risk of a rear-end collision. 5. Most importantly, never exceed the speed limit: The saying 'nine out of ten accidents are caused by speeding' is a lesson learned from countless accidents and lives lost. Therefore, maintaining a safe speed and following distance on highways is the most critical factor in ensuring your safety.
A while ago, I took my younger cousin to practice driving. He always followed cars too closely, so I taught him a simple trick: on the highway, when the car in front passes a utility pole, silently count '1001, 1002, 1003' before you pass it—that's the safe distance. In rainy weather, add at least two more seconds. Remember, you should see the full tires of the car ahead in your rearview mirror to maintain enough distance. Even with new cars that have automatic emergency braking, you still need to leave reaction time. Once, I had to brake hard, and the bottled water in the trunk flew onto the dashboard—scared him so much he never tailgated again. Honestly, don’t panic if someone cuts in; for beginners, keeping a steady pace is what matters most.
