How to Observe the Distance of the Rear Vehicle in the Rearview Mirror?
2 Answers
If judging the distance from the left rearview mirror, first use the center of the left rearview mirror as a reference line. When the rear vehicle is on the left side of the reference line and the entire vehicle is visible, the distance between the two vehicles can be estimated to be ten meters. When the vehicle is on the left side of the reference line, and there is approximately one car's width between the vehicle in the rearview mirror and the left edge of the mirror, the distance is about 15 meters.
I find the most practical way to gauge the distance of the car behind is by observing its size and position in the rearview mirror. If the car appears small, occupying only a small portion of the mirror, it means it's still quite far away. If the car gradually becomes larger and almost fills the mirror, that indicates it's too close, and you should be cautious. Especially before changing lanes, I quickly glance at the rearview mirror to confirm the car behind isn't approaching rapidly. Another useful technique is to use the side mirrors in conjunction, which provides a wider field of view and helps avoid blind spots. During regular driving, I also pay attention to road conditions—for example, on highways, judging distances promptly is crucial to prevent rear-end collisions. In rainy or foggy weather when visibility in the mirrors is poor, I slow down and leave extra space to prioritize safety. With practice, you’ll naturally develop an intuition, and once it becomes a habit, driving will feel much more secure.
