What is the safe following distance when driving 100 km/h on the highway?
3 Answers
When driving at 100 km/h on the highway, maintain a following distance of at least 100 meters from the vehicle ahead, with a lateral distance of at least 1.5 meters. When the speed is below 100 km/h, the following distance can be appropriately reduced, but the minimum distance should not be less than 50 meters, and the lateral distance should be at least 1.2 meters. During prolonged high-speed driving, the driver's vision is continuously stimulated by the road and surrounding moving scenery, leading to a gradual decline in depth perception, which can result in misjudgment of distances. Additionally, the elevated driving position in large vehicles shortens the forward visual distance for the driver, making it easy to underestimate speed and maintain insufficient distance from the vehicle ahead. Other precautions for highway driving are as follows: Choice of lanes at toll stations: There are two types of lanes—ETC lanes and regular lanes. ETC involves a bank card and reader mounted on the windshield. If you haven’t set up ETC with your bank, use the regular lane to take a ticket. If you accidentally enter an ETC lane, reverse out safely, as ETC lanes provide sufficient waiting distance for reversing. Ramp driving: On ramps, maintain a speed below 40 km/h and avoid overtaking, making U-turns, stopping, or reversing. Acceleration lane: Quickly increase your speed and merge left into the main traffic lane. When merging, yield appropriately, use turn signals, honk, observe, and ensure you do not disrupt other vehicles before entering the highway. Light usage: Use lights appropriately on the highway. At night, high beams can be used when maintaining a sufficient distance (over 150 meters) from the vehicle ahead. Speed over steering: Choosing to change lanes instead of slowing down can easily lead to loss of vehicle control. Avoid fatigue driving: Fatigue reduces reaction time. A one-second delay means the vehicle travels an additional 33 meters. If fatigued, rest at the next service area to prevent major accidents. Pay attention to road signs: Highway signs provide advance notice of road conditions, allowing drivers to prepare adequately. They also guide directions to avoid wrong turns.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I must emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe distance when driving at 100 km/h on highways. According to traffic rules, the recommended three-second rule is an easy method: choose a fixed point, and after the vehicle ahead passes it, count to three before you reach that same point. To put it into perspective, at 100 km/h, you're covering 28 meters per second, so three seconds equals roughly 84 meters. Personally, I prefer keeping a distance of 50 to 100 meters, equivalent to about four or five car lengths. This buffer gives you crucial reaction time if the car ahead brakes suddenly or road conditions change unexpectedly. Increase this distance further during rain or at night—safety always comes first. Regularly check your mirrors and monitor the gap; developing these habits can be lifesavers, especially on long trips where rushing isn't worth the risk. True skill lies in arriving home smoothly.
I remember once driving over 100 km/h on the highway, following too closely and almost rear-ending a car that suddenly slowed down. It scared me into a cold sweat. Since then, I've maintained a fixed following distance: selecting a reference point like a road sign or light pole, and counting at least three seconds after the vehicle in front passes it. At 100 km/h, this means keeping a distance of about 70-80 meters—roughly the length of two trucks. In complex conditions like curves or fog, I double my caution. This way, driving becomes more relaxed and reduces the risk of fatigue. Family and friends often compliment my smooth driving, saying peaceful trips rely on these little techniques that save everyone from constant braking discomfort.
