How many meters should be kept as a safe distance from the car in front?
3 Answers
Maintain a safe distance of more than 150 meters from the car in front. The following is a related introduction to safe distance: 1. According to speed: When the vehicle is driving at 60km/h, the safe distance between vehicles should be more than 60 meters. When the vehicle is driving at 80km/h, the safe distance between vehicles should be more than 80 meters. 2. Based on road conditions: The safe distance between vehicles should still be determined according to specific road conditions. For example, in rainy weather, the safe distance should be extended. 3. Judging the distance: During the driving process, you can observe the safe distance between cars through the vehicle's rearview mirror. The lower quarter of the rearview mirror indicates a dangerous distance, while the remaining three-quarters indicate a safe distance.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and maintaining a safe distance is absolutely crucial. Following too closely can easily lead to rear-end collisions, especially on highways. The three-second rule is generally simple and effective: pick a fixed point like a road sign, and count 'one, two, three' after the car in front passes it—only then is it a safe distance. In terms of meters, at 60 km/h, it's about 50 meters, and at 100 km/h, roughly 88 meters. This distance gives us enough reaction time. I remember once on a rainy highway, I left a four-second gap, which helped me avoid an accident when the car ahead suddenly braked. In windy or foggy conditions, you should double the distance, and if the vehicle is heavily loaded, you'll need even more space due to braking distance. Safety always comes first—don’t rush, and stay focused on the road conditions while driving.
When I first got my driver's license, my instructor emphasized that the 'two-second rule' is the most practical method for maintaining safe distance. For example, at 40 km/h the interval should be about 22 meters, and at 60 km/h it's 33 meters. Beginners tend to get nervous, so it's recommended to use mobile navigation or dashboard speed as reference. Maintaining proper following distance helps prevent rear-end collisions and saves brake pads. Double the distance in rainy weather for extra safety. After learning this technique, I applied it in city driving too – avoiding minor scrapes while staying safe. Don't rely on others; creating your own space is most reliable.
