Distance between cars in traffic?

Question

What distance should you keep between you and the car ahead of you in slow traffic and also on open highway? What is the rule of thumb?

Answer 1

Keep at least three seconds distance between you and the vehicle ahead.

Answer 2

Safe driving experts teaching the SMITH SYSTEM  advocate the 4 second rule.   It is easy to gauge and effective at all speeds.  

When the vehicle in front of you passes an object,  a shadow,  a sign,  a pavement change,   count slowly for 4 seconds and adjust your following distance as needed.

Answer 3

The 3 second rule. As you are driving pick a fixed object along the side of the road, when the vehicle in front of you passes it, start to count one thousand one, one thousand two, and so on. If you pass the object before counting to three, then you are to close. If you make it to three before you pass the object, then you are following at  a safe distance....for extra safety add one second for a count of four. This method works at any speed, because it automatically takes into account vehicle speed.

Answer 4

The rule is....when on the highway or the interstate...you time your self by counting the seconds between when the car ahead of you and you pass a certain spot.....like start counting when a car passes a sign....three seconds should pass before you get to the same sign.  In slow traffic....you should always be able to see the tires of the car in front of you.

Answer 5

One car length for each 10 miles per hour...or use the 3 second rule.

Answer 6

If you stay approximately 3 - 4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you in city traffic, you will have better visibility, more stopping distance and you will also be more relaxed while driving. You also need to be aware of who is behind you, and on both sides of you. Check your rear view mirror about every 5 - 8 seconds in city traffic and also when you brake.

If you stay approximately double that distance (6 - 8 seconds) behind the vehicle ahead of you on higher speed roads, you will also have much better visibility, more reaction time and more stopping time. Of course you should always be aware of who is around you whenever driving at higher speeds just in case you need to make an emergency lane change, etc.

Also check those mirrors frequently and look well ahead to see any emergency/police vehicles which may be parked on the shoulder up ahead, drivers pulled over on the shoulder who may suddenly pull out onto the roadway, or a sign indicating that your lane may be ending.

Good scanning and observation skills together with proactive driving habits (following/braking distance necessary, etc.) will go a long way to prevent incidents and travel safely on the roads with other drivers. Be aware of the limits of both your skills/confidence/physical condition,  and of the condition of your vehicle (tires, age, etc.) whenever/wherever you drive.

Think and drive!!

Answer 7

.066666666666667 mm² to be exact.

Answer 8

One car length for every 10 miles an hour but that all goes out the window if your vehicle has a Flux Capacitor!