What is a Safe Following Distance?
2 Answers
Safe following distance refers to the necessary gap that a trailing vehicle maintains from the vehicle ahead to avoid accidental collisions while driving. High-speed driving distance: When a motor vehicle is driving on a highway at a speed exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, it should maintain a distance of more than 100 meters from the vehicle in front in the same lane. When the speed is below 100 kilometers per hour, the distance from the vehicle in front can be appropriately shortened, but the minimum distance should not be less than 50 meters. Driving precautions: Drivers should unconditionally comply with road traffic safety laws and regulations at all times and in all situations while driving. When drivers encounter vehicles in need of assistance, they should slow down and stop to offer help. When driving through muddy or waterlogged roads, they should slow down to avoid splashing mud or water onto pedestrians on either side.
Safe following distance refers to the space you maintain between your car and the vehicle ahead while driving, ensuring you can stop safely in emergencies and avoid rear-end collisions. With over a decade of driving experience, I particularly favor the 3-second rule: pick a fixed point like a road sign, and when the car ahead passes it, count to 3 before reaching the same point. If I arrive sooner, I increase the distance. At higher speeds, such as 100 km/h on highways, it's advisable to keep at least 100 meters, as braking distance increases with the square of speed. Rainy days demand extra caution—I extend it to 5 seconds since wet roads are slippery, leaving a buffer for safety. I recall one snowy winter day when the car ahead braked suddenly; my ample space allowed me to stop easily, averting a crash. Making safe following a habit ensures peace of mind on the road. It also reduces sudden braking, saving fuel—eco-friendly and economical, truly worth sticking to.
