What is the safe distance between cars in urban areas?

[MacAustin]

There is no absolute standard, only speed-dependent standards. The introduction to safe driving distances is as follows: 1. High-speed driving: When the speed is above 100km/h, the safe distance should be more than 100 meters. 2. Fast driving: When the speed is above 60km/h, the safe distance is numerically equal to the speed; for example, at 80km/h, the safe distance is 80 meters. 3. Medium-speed driving: When the speed is around 50km/h, the safe distance should not be less than 50 meters. 4. Low-speed driving: When the speed is below 40km/h, the safe distance should not be less than 30 meters. 5. Crawling speed: When the speed is below 20km/h, the safe distance should not be less than 10 meters.

[VanEliana]

Having driven in the city for over 30 years, I believe safe distance isn't a fixed number but depends on speed and time. Below 60 km/h, I usually maintain at least a two-second gap with the car ahead—that means picking a roadside point, waiting until the front car passes it, counting 'one-two' before reaching that spot myself. On rainy days when roads are slippery, I add an extra second because braking response slows down. During rush hour traffic, even at low speeds, don't follow too closely—if the car ahead brakes suddenly, rear-end collisions happen easily. New drivers might find keeping distance troublesome, but safety comes first; maintaining space allows reaction time for emergencies. Remember, different vehicle and road conditions require adjustments—practice a few times and it'll become habit.

[LeLouis]

As an advocate for safe driving, I emphasize the critical importance of maintaining a safe distance between vehicles in urban areas. The widely recommended guideline is the 2-second rule: at a steady speed, the distance should allow you more than two seconds to react. This means that after the vehicle in front passes a fixed point, you should count two seconds before reaching the same spot. This is based on data showing that most urban accidents result from following too closely, leaving insufficient reaction time. Particularly in school zones or busy intersections where children or pedestrians are abundant, shorter distances pose higher risks. In adverse weather conditions such as fog or heavy rain, increase the distance to at least 3 seconds, as visibility and braking are compromised. Make it a habit to regularly check and adjust your following distance, ensuring a safer journey every time.

[GeorgeLee]

When I first got my driver's license, maintaining proper following distance in city traffic was my biggest concern. Here's a simple method: Keep at least a two-second gap from the car ahead. Pick a fixed landmark, and after it passes the car in front, count the seconds until you reach the same point. If you're too close, you won't be able to stop in time if the leading car brakes suddenly. Driving aids are helpful for beginners - your phone's navigation or the car's distance alert can remind you of your position and prevent unintentional tailgating. Add an extra second in rainy conditions when roads are slippery. After practicing a few times, it becomes muscle memory, and you won't panic even in heavy urban traffic.

[SerenityFitz]

After becoming a father, I would remind my family to maintain a safe distance in urban areas. A recommended time gap of two to three seconds provides better buffer during rush hours or near school zones. For example, when dropping kids off at school with heavy traffic and slow speeds, keeping some space helps prevent sudden braking due to pedestrians darting out. In rainy conditions or at night, add an extra half to one second due to slippery roads or reduced visibility. Developing this habit reduces rear-end collision risks, ensuring safer family trips—simple, practical, and easy to follow.