How to Determine the Distance to Vehicles on the Left and Right?
4 Answers
Methods to determine the distance to vehicles on the left and right are: 1. You can judge through the rearview mirror, which allows you to see how far your car is from the vehicles and lane markings on both sides. 2. Use reference objects for judgment. Adjusting the distance while moving forward: Adjusting while moving forward is very simple—just steer towards the side where the distance is greater. Adjusting the distance while reversing: Check the distance to vehicles on the left and right through the rearview mirror. If the distance on the left is greater, turn the steering wheel to the left to adjust; if the distance on the right is greater, turn the steering wheel to the right. Always make fine adjustments, and avoid turning the steering wheel too sharply.
When I first started learning to drive, the hardest part was judging the distance accurately. My instructor taught me to use the wiper nodes as a reference. For example, when the protrusion point of the right wiper aligns with the roadside line, the right wheel is about 30 centimeters away from the curb. For the left wheel, when the extension line of the 9 o'clock position on the steering wheel coincides with the lane line, the left wheel is about 50 centimeters away. Rearview mirrors are also crucial. When you can see the entire front of the car behind you in the mirror, the distance is roughly 5 meters, which is safe enough for a lane change. I practice deliberately every day during my commute and noticed that reference points can vary slightly between different car models. So, it's best to repeatedly test in an open area with marked lines to develop muscle memory for reliability.
A seasoned driver shares a simple yet practical trick: using water bottles as reference points when parking. After parking the car straight, place two water bottles on the left and right edges of the hood, then return to the driver's seat and memorize their corresponding positions on the ground. The left bottle aligns with the outer edge of the left front wheel, and the right one with the outer edge of the right wheel. While driving, observe the relationship between these two virtual points and obstacles to gauge distance accurately. Extra caution is needed when driving at night—I prefer rolling down the window to check side distances, which is more precise than using mirrors. If you encounter a narrow alley and feel unsure during an oncoming vehicle situation, stay calm. If in doubt, stop and let the other party pass first—safety always comes first.
Here are some effective tips for judging car distance: Observe the size of the following vehicle in the rearview mirror. When it fills the entire mirror, the distance is dangerous; if it only occupies half the mirror, there's about a 10-meter safe distance. When changing lanes, ensure the following vehicle appears in the side window's field of view. A handy trick when passing through toll booths is to keep the car body about 40 cm away from the booth's edge, which is the perfect distance between the left wheel and the curb. Pay extra attention on rainy days—if the rearview mirror is blurred, roll down the window and lean out to check the actual distance. Develop the habit of scanning blind spots, and use peripheral vision to confirm the car's front position every time you turn.
