What situations should be noted when driving a motor vehicle in traffic?
2 Answers
When driving a motor vehicle in traffic, the following situations should be noted: 1. Following a taxi: When following a taxi, be prepared for it to pull over at any time to pick up or drop off passengers. 2. Following a vehicle with a novice driver sign: When the car ahead has a novice driver sign, increase the following distance to prevent sudden braking. 3. Following a fully loaded truck: When the vehicle ahead is a fully loaded truck, increase the following distance and avoid following for long periods to prevent hazards from falling cargo and blind spots. 4. Driving in fog: When driving in fog, visibility is reduced, so be cautious of sudden braking by the vehicle ahead.
When driving and following other vehicles, as an experienced driver for many years, I always emphasize maintaining a safe distance. The faster the speed, the greater the distance should be, with at least a two-second interval as the baseline. In rainy or foggy conditions, the distance should be extended even further. As soon as the brake lights of the car in front come on, I slow down in advance to avoid sudden braking. Don’t just focus on the car directly ahead; look at the road conditions farther ahead to guard against sudden incidents like pedestrians crossing or animals appearing. Maintain a consistent speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. On highways, following large trucks too closely is highly risky—rear-ending them would be unthinkable. This habit has saved me multiple times, and I recommend practicing night driving simulations to enhance anticipation. In short, a safe distance plus environmental awareness is key—don’t get distracted by using your phone or chatting.
