How to Judge the Distance in the Rearview Mirror?
3 Answers
First, observe the distance from the left rearview mirror. Since the driver's position is closest to the left rearview mirror, it is easier to judge the left field of vision. Divide the rearview mirror into four parts: the outer 1/4 is the danger zone, and the inner 3/4 is the safety zone. The following are the tips for judging the distance of vehicles in the rearview mirror: 1. The smaller the rear vehicle, the safer it is: you can proceed with normal driving, overtaking, and lane changing. 2. The rear vehicle occupies 1/3 of the mirror: the distance between the two vehicles is 10 meters. 3. The rear vehicle occupies 1/2 of the mirror: the distance between the two vehicles is 7 meters, suitable for turning. 4. The rear vehicle fills the entire rearview mirror: the distance between the two vehicles is 3 meters, not suitable for turning.
When judging the distance in the rearview mirror, I always make sure the car is parked properly before adjusting the interior and exterior mirrors. The interior mirror should provide a full view of the entire outline of the vehicle behind, not just a small part. For the left exterior mirror, I tilt it slightly outward to see a bit of the door handle and the rear wheel position, which helps avoid blind spots when changing lanes. The right exterior mirror is adjusted similarly to ensure visibility of vehicles approaching from the diagonal rear. While driving, I often observe the size of the vehicle behind in the mirror: if it occupies a small portion of the mirror, it means it's far enough for a safe lane change; if it appears to be growing larger or fills the mirror, it's too close, and changing lanes should be avoided. Beginners often overlook this, leading to scratches. During practice, I find a quiet road to park and have a friend slowly approach until I can recognize the distance changes in the mirror. Remember, use daylight for better visibility in good weather and turn on lights for assistance at night. Safety is paramount, so always check mirror settings before driving.
After years of driving, I believe judging the distance in rearview mirrors relies on daily habits. Before changing lanes, I glance at the interior mirror to confirm no fast-approaching cars, then check the side mirror for vehicles behind. If the following car appears small, the distance is ample; if it looks large, it means it's tailgating. During my highway commute, I conduct a two-second test on steady stretches: when I spot a car in the mirror, I silently count two seconds—if it hasn't noticeably closed the gap, the distance is safe. A common rookie mistake is changing lanes solely based on mirror checks, overlooking blind-spot vehicles. I always combine side window checks for full coverage. When parking, I practice mirror adjustments: center the interior mirror, set the left mirror to a 1:1 ratio of road to car body, and similarly adjust the right mirror. Rain or fog makes it trickier—slow down is key. Safety first; I remind myself not to rush every time I drive.
