How to Follow a Car Slowly for Beginners?
3 Answers
Key points for beginners to follow a car slowly are as follows: 1. Leave space for rolling back on uphill sections: When driving on uphill roads or overpasses and encountering stop-and-go traffic, always leave enough distance to prevent the car in front from rolling back when starting. Pay special attention to overloaded large trucks—it's best not to follow them and to leave a longer-than-normal distance to prevent them from rolling backward. 2. Determine the following distance based on speed: While driving, the faster the speed, the greater the distance between vehicles should be. Generally, the vehicle spacing should roughly equal the speed in kilometers per hour. For example, at 70 km/h, the spacing should be more than 70 meters. If the road ahead is clear and you can observe the traffic conditions well, you can slightly reduce the distance to a point where other vehicles can't easily cut in. 3. Follow slowly in crowded areas: During long-distance driving, maintain a good rhythm and take breaks. When passing through towns, especially crowded roads, it's best to follow a large vehicle slowly and relax. In heavy fog with poor visibility, if there's a car ahead, follow it and avoid overtaking just because it's moving slowly. 4. Increase spacing when following a large vehicle: Small cars following large vehicles are more affected by the leading car, so increase the spacing appropriately and closely monitor the leading car's movements. When following a bus in busy urban areas, be patient. If overtaking is necessary, observe the situation from a distance to ensure no sudden appearance of pedestrians or cyclists during the maneuver. 5. Stay calm while following: During following, if pedestrians or non-motorized vehicles cut in, remain patient and avoid frustration. Especially at crosswalks, actively yield to pedestrians to demonstrate good professional ethics.
As a beginner learning to drive, I start by staying calm when practicing slow-speed following, because nervousness can easily lead to mistakes. I choose straight roads with fewer vehicles to practice, first setting a low speed, such as around 30 kilometers per hour, without exceeding the limit. I use the throttle gently to control the car and avoid frequently braking to reduce the number of stops. I leave enough space between my car and the one in front, using the 2-second rule to measure the distance: silently counting "one thousand one, one thousand two"—if I haven’t reached the position of the car ahead, it’s considered safe. I frequently scan the rearview mirror and surroundings instead of fixating on one point. When I notice the brake lights of the car ahead, I slow down immediately to avoid a rear-end collision. I ignore honking from cars behind me—safety comes first. After practicing slowly for a few days, I’ll get used to it, and my confidence will grow. The key is not to rush or be afraid.
When following slowly, learn to use distance to control risks. I recommend beginners start by maintaining at least three car lengths from the vehicle ahead, keeping the speed steady below 40 mph without sudden acceleration or deceleration. Gently press the throttle to let the car coast, using brakes less and relying more on engine braking for smoother control. Keep your focus on the movements of the car in front and avoid distractions like checking your phone or other things. For safety, practice first in residential areas or on low-speed roads before attempting highways. Once you're comfortable, gradually increase the difficulty. Remember, following isn't a race—going slower ensures a safer arrival home. With more practice, you'll naturally get the hang of it.
