How to Judge the Left and Right Distance While Driving

[Ross]

Driving left and right distance can be judged by the distance between the wheels and the lane markings on the road. If the position of the wheels is about to touch the markings on the ground, it indicates that the car is relatively close. During driving, it is necessary to pay attention to the distance between the vehicles on both sides to avoid scraping. The specific methods for judging the left and right distance while driving are: 1. Judgment of the left position: When the line of sight coincides with the protruding node of the left wiper and an object on the ground, the left wheel will run over the object when moving. When driving normally, it is relatively safe to be 60 cm away from the center line. When the line of sight coincides with the intersection of the cotton panel and the A-pillar and the center line, the body is exactly 60 cm away from the center line; 2. Judgment of the right position: When the line of sight coincides with the right wiper and the target, the tire will run over the target.

[DiElisa]

I've been driving for nearly twenty years, and judging left and right distances comes easily with experience. When parking, I like to check the rearview mirrors: adjust them properly, then gauge the left distance by seeing if the ground lines are parallel to the door handle, and pay attention to the wheel's position in the mirror on the right. When starting, don't rush to accelerate—first glance at the roadside to get a sense of distance. When changing lanes, check the rearview mirror to confirm a safe gap, then turn your head to check the blind spot. Beginners often misjudge distances, so I recommend using reference points like wheel width or roadside curbs. On narrow roads, I prefer slowing down and inching the car forward bit by bit—don't force your way through. Practice parking often in your neighborhood, and you'll become more stable over time. Assistive devices like cameras are helpful, but don't rely on them—the core skill is still your own judgment.

[SanLena]

As a new driver who just got my license, the methods my instructor taught for judging distances were very practical. For the left side distance, aim by aligning the roadside line with the lower left corner of the windshield. For the right side, use the right rearview mirror to observe the edge aligning with the ground. When changing lanes, be patient: first check the mirror to estimate a gap of several meters, then signal and move over. For parking, remember reference points like the distance between the car door handle and the roadside. I practiced parallel parking repeatedly in open areas, noting position differences each time to adjust my angle. Mentally, don’t panic; drive slowly to let your brain adapt to visual information. Assistance systems like radar warnings are a big help, and beginners are advised to practice through trial and error. With accumulated mileage, spatial awareness naturally develops—safety first, don’t rush.

[SimonAnn]

In driving instruction, I emphasize using visual techniques to judge distances. On the left, aim at the edge of the rearview mirror to gauge the distance to the ground line, while on the right, use the position of the front right wheel as a reference. Adjusting seat height during daily driving can optimize visibility for more accurate judgments. When changing lanes, always check the mirrors to confirm a clear zone and avoid driving too close to parallel vehicles. Insufficient distance can easily lead to scratches—practice parallel parking by aligning the rearview mirror with road markers. While assistive devices like cameras can help, don’t neglect manual practice, such as checking left and right distances when turning at intersections to maintain safety. Drive more in suburban areas or parking lots, repeatedly testing different angles until it becomes second nature.