What is the safe following distance?
2 Answers
When the speed is above 100km/h, the safe following distance should be more than 100 meters; when the speed is between 60km/h and 100km/h, the safe following distance can be equal to the speed, for example, a speed of 90km/h requires a safe following distance of 90 meters. The introduction to safe driving distance is as follows: The concept of safe driving distance: Safe following distance refers to the necessary gap that a following vehicle maintains to avoid accidental collisions with the vehicle ahead. There is no absolute numerical concept for safe distance; it depends on specific circumstances. Generally, the higher the speed and the greater the vehicle weight, the longer the required safe following distance. Safe following distance is also influenced by many other factors, such as weather conditions, light intensity, driver's vision, braking equipment, road conditions, etc. Measurement standards for safe following distance: There is no absolute standard for safe following distance, only dynamic standards. The most direct and important factor affecting safe following distance is speed. When the speed increases, the required braking force, braking distance, and the distance traveled at the original speed during the reaction time all increase accordingly. Maintaining a safe following distance requires controlling the speed.
Having driven for over a decade, I deeply understand that maintaining a safe following distance is absolutely a lifeline. Generally, the three-second rule is the most practical: while driving, pick a roadside marker, and when the car ahead passes it, silently count '1001, 1002, 1003'—if I reach that point only after finishing the count, it means the distance is safe. On highways, the faster the speed, the greater the distance should be. For instance, at 100 km/h, I recommend keeping at least 150 meters; otherwise, braking might not be in time. In rainy or foggy conditions, where slippery roads increase braking distance, I extend the buffer to 4 or 5 seconds. Once, I followed too closely in the rain and nearly caused a rear-end collision—a harsh lesson indeed. Therefore, forming this habit not only prevents accidents but also makes driving more relaxing. Remember, don’t just focus on the car ahead; check your rearview mirror to ensure the entire driving environment is safe.
