What is the method for judging the distance to the car behind using the interior rearview mirror?

[DeJourney]

The method for judging the distance to the car behind using the interior rearview mirror is: 1. When the rear car's engine hood is visible in the interior rearview mirror but the grille is not, it indicates a distance of about 3 meters from the rear car; 2. When the rear car's grille is visible in the interior rearview mirror, it indicates a distance of about 8 meters from the rear car; 3. When the rear car's wheels are fully visible in the interior rearview mirror, it indicates a distance of more than 20 meters from the rear car. The adjustment method for the interior rearview mirror is: place the distant horizon at the midline of the interior rearview mirror, then move left and right until the image of the right ear is just at the left edge of the mirror. The function of the car's interior rearview mirror is to reflect the situation behind, beside, and below the car, expanding the driver's field of vision.

[McAllie]

Having driven for decades, I find the interior rearview mirror incredibly useful for judging the distance of vehicles behind me. Here's how: Sit upright and steady, then observe the size change in the mirror. If the rear vehicle appears as just a small speck, it's far away—approximately over 50 meters. When the vehicle fills half the mirror, the distance is closer, around 10 meters. Another tip is to watch the horizon line: On highways, if the rear vehicle is below the horizon line at the mirror's bottom, it's at a safe distance; if it rises to the top of the mirror, it's too close. Be extra cautious in rain or at night: Poor lighting affects depth perception, so I focus on the headlights—if they appear scattered and dim, the car is far; if bright and concentrated, it's right behind. I recommend spending two minutes daily to clean the mirror—dust buildup impairs visibility. Always maintain a safe distance, especially on highways. This method has helped me avoid rear-end collisions—it's simple, reliable, and easy for beginners to master with a little practice.

[BrandonMarie]

As an advocate for safe driving, I place great importance on managing following distance using rearview mirrors. When checking mirrors, consider your speed: at high speeds, if the following vehicle appears very small in the center of the mirror, the distance is well beyond 20 meters; if it appears as large as something in your palm, the distance is within 5 meters - that's when you should decelerate to prevent collisions. I also regularly observe the position of the following vehicle's tires: when the tires are clearly visible, the distance is moderate; when the tires become blurred or disappear, the distance increases. Rainy days present greater challenges: with rain blurring the mirrors and weakening distance perception, I rely on observing the stability of the vehicle's lights to assist judgment - steady lights indicate controllable distance, while flickering suggests danger. Before each drive, I make it a habit to adjust mirror angles for optimal visibility, which not only aids distance judgment but also helps prevent fatigued driving. Try these techniques to make every journey safer.

[DeLydia]

Back when I was learning to drive, my instructor taught me: judging the distance using the rearview mirror isn't hard. After adjusting the seat and mirrors properly, if the car behind only occupies a small corner of the mirror, it's quite far, probably over 30 meters; when the car's image fills half the mirror, it's about 10 meters away. I've maintained the habit of checking while driving: at red lights, I take a quick glance to confirm a safe distance. I misjudged a few times at first, but after driving a few hundred kilometers more, I got the hang of it. Driving at night with headlights on can also affect judgment—when the light is strong, blink more to adjust.