How to Determine Front and Rear Distance Using Rearview Mirrors?
2 Answers
Car rearview mirrors reflect the conditions behind, beside, and below the vehicle, allowing the driver to indirectly see these areas clearly. They serve as "second eyes," expanding the driver's field of vision. Below are specific details on how to determine front and rear distance using rearview mirrors: 1. When the car image fills the entire rearview mirror, the distance is approximately 3 meters; 2. When the car image occupies two-thirds of the rearview mirror, the distance is about 5 meters; 3. When the car image occupies half of the rearview mirror, the distance is roughly 9 meters; 4. When the car image occupies one-third of the rearview mirror, the distance is approximately 12 meters.
Judging the distance between vehicles using rearview mirrors is a practical skill that improves with practice while driving. In the interior rearview mirror, if the entire body of the following vehicle is clearly visible, including headlights and contours, the distance is roughly within 10-15 meters, indicating close proximity and requiring caution. If only the roof or partial structure is visible, the distance may be over 20 meters. The convex design of side mirrors distorts objects, making size changes unreliable for distance estimation. I prefer observing the position of the following vehicle: if it's in the center of the mirror, it suggests the vehicle is approaching quickly; if at the edge, it indicates a greater distance. As a beginner, I often made the mistake of relying solely on mirrors without using blind-spot assist lights. In rainy or foggy conditions, when mirror reflections are poor, it's even more important to frequently check distances, combine with speed changes for estimation, and ensure no hazards are present behind before overtaking.
