How to Judge Distance with Rearview Mirrors?
4 Answers
The method to judge distance using rearview mirrors is: 1. If the rear vehicle occupies one-third of the outer rearview mirror area and the entire vehicle is visible, the distance to the rear vehicle is approximately 15 meters, allowing for turning operations; 2. If the rear vehicle's grille is completely obscured, the distance between the rear vehicle and the front vehicle is 3 meters, which is a safe distance during slow-speed following; 3. When the rear vehicle is positioned in the center of the rearview mirror, it indicates a distance of 15 to 20 meters from the rear vehicle, enabling normal turning operations. Rearview mirrors are tools that allow drivers to directly obtain external information about the rear, sides, and lower parts of the car while seated in the driver's seat. For the convenience of drivers, to prevent traffic safety accidents, and to ensure personal safety, all countries have regulations regarding automobile rearview mirrors.
Having driven for decades, judging the distance in the rearview mirror mainly relies on observing the size changes of the following car. The interior rearview mirror is my main battlefield; when the following car appears as small as an ant in the mirror, the distance is at least 70 to 80 meters. Conversely, if it fills up the mirror, the distance might be just a few meters. Adjusting the mirror angle is crucial—I prefer it to show the entire rear window and a bit of the sky, providing a clear reference. While driving, don’t just focus on the interior mirror; don’t forget to glance at the side mirrors to help eliminate blind spots. Practice combining all mirrors a few times, and your sense of distance will naturally improve. Remember, safe driving is the bottom line—especially during rainy days or at night when visibility is poor, slow down and don’t rely solely on rearview mirrors to judge distance. Experience has taught me that driving isn’t just about skill; it also requires quick thinking and sharp eyes.
As a novice driver, I was completely clueless the first time I tried judging distance using the rearview mirror. My instructor taught me a simple method: observe the size of the following car in the mirror; a smaller car means greater distance, while a larger car indicates closer proximity. Adjusting the rearview mirror angle is crucial—ensure the interior mirror provides a full view of the rear. Before every drive, I adjust the mirrors, with the side mirrors used to monitor approaching vehicles from the sides. Initially, I often felt cars were getting too close, but after practicing on short trips, I started getting the hang of it. Combining environmental references, like changes in streetlight spacing, also helped a lot. Don’t rush during the novice phase—safety comes first.
When driving in the city, judging the distance in the rearview mirror requires smart techniques. I often use the clarity of the following car as a reference; if the license plate is clearly visible, the car is close, and if it's blurry, it's far. Adjusting the mirror angle for a wide field of view is fundamental. While driving, I frequently glance at the interior and exterior mirrors to avoid blind spots causing trouble. During rainy days or at night, I leave extra distance for added safety. These skills have become instinctive during daily commutes, saving a lot of hassle.
