What is the following distance when driving on the road?

[StChristian]

In smooth traffic conditions, the following distance should match the vehicle speed. Here are the specific details: 1. City driving: Especially during rush hours, the distance between vehicles is often very small, usually less than 3 meters, with speeds ranging between 20 to 30 kilometers per hour, or even below 20 kilometers per hour. At this time, drivers should stay focused, gently press the accelerator to maintain a steady speed, and always be prepared to brake. 2. On slopes: Vehicles on slopes tend to roll backward. To prevent rolling, it is necessary to increase the distance from the vehicle in front. As for following techniques, they should be adjusted according to actual road conditions, leaving enough space for the vehicle ahead. 3. On highways: The most important factors for following on highways are speed, distance, and visibility. Although most highways have speed limits, many vehicles may exceed them intentionally or unintentionally. Therefore, when following on highways, the minimum following distance should be 100,000 mm, with the speed controlled below 120 kilometers per hour.

[CassandraRose]

Having driven countless long-distance miles, my experience tells me that maintaining the right following distance truly requires practical measurement. On the highway, I often use the three-second rule: when the car ahead passes a fixed point like a lamppost, I silently count one, two, three before my car reaches the same spot, ensuring enough reaction time. As speed increases, I extend the distance; in rain or fog, I increase it to over four seconds due to reduced visibility and slower braking. I remember once when the car ahead braked suddenly, my maintained distance saved me from a rear-end collision. Beginners might think staying close saves time, but safety comes first—this also prevents the disaster of chain collisions. In heavy traffic, I shorten the distance slightly but remain equally vigilant. The key is to stay flexible based on road conditions, not rigidly sticking to one number.

[AlexisMarie]

As a car enthusiast, I pay close attention to following distance, especially in traffic jams where I rely on the three-second rule. I pick a fixed point, start counting when the car ahead passes it, and wait at least two to three seconds before reaching that point myself. If I follow too closely and the car in front suddenly brakes, I'd be in trouble with insufficient stopping distance. Nowadays, with driving assistance features like adaptive cruise control that automatically maintains a set distance, it saves me a lot of worry but doesn't mean I can relax. At higher speeds, like driving 80 mph on the highway, I double the distance to leave more room; in rainy or slippery conditions, I'm even more cautious and increase it to four seconds. These details ensure safe driving every time—never get careless.

[PaisleeMarie]

Maintaining a safe distance while driving is simple with the three-second rule: Pick a roadside marker, count three seconds after the front vehicle passes before you reach it. This ensures about 30 meters of buffer space on regular roads. Increase the interval at higher speeds—four to five seconds at 80 mph; in urban slow traffic, one and a half seconds may suffice. Extend the distance in rain or fog to reduce rear-end collision risks. Safety first.