How far away from the car in front can you turn out directly?
2 Answers
The distance varies for each car, but you can turn out directly as long as you can see the rear bumper of the car in front. Here are some relevant tips: 1. Park within the security guard's line of sight: When parking in a residential area, especially in an unfamiliar one, try to park within the security guard's line of sight to reduce the risk of malicious scratches, particularly in communities with less strict property management. 2. Avoid parking under balconies in open-air parking: Some residents may engage in high-altitude littering, such as spitting or throwing cigarette butts, which is not only unhygienic but can also cause dents on the car roof from hard objects. Additionally, during windy or rainy weather, old building wall coverings, iron railings on balconies, hanging objects, flower pots, etc., may fall. Therefore, it's best to choose a parking spot away from balconies.
I've been driving for over a decade, and when turning out, the safe distance really can't just be about the numbers—it depends on the situation. At slower speeds, like 40 km/h in the city, I usually keep about 10 meters, which is roughly a 1-second gap after the car in front passes before I turn out. But on the highway, at 100 km/h, I leave at least 50 meters or a 3-second gap, counting 'one, two, three' after the car ahead crosses the line before I move. Weather is also crucial—on rainy days with poor visibility, I double the distance. The car's performance matters too—my SUV has a higher center of gravity, so I need more space when turning to avoid losing control. In short, it's better to wait a few extra seconds than risk getting too close. Safety first, especially at night or in heavy traffic when accidents are more likely.
