How to Keep a Safe Distance When Driving
One aspect often overlooked while driving is maintaining a safe distance from other cars. This post will explore tips and tricks for keeping a comfortable and secure space between you and your fellow drivers.
Tips To Keep A Safe Distance When Driving
Start Counting When the Vehicle in Front Passes an Object
Keeping a safe distance behind the car in front of you is critical to safe driving. To maintain a safe space, it’s essential to start counting seconds as soon as the vehicle in front passes an object.
Depending on the speed limit and weather conditions, the recommended time for counting is typically two or three seconds. For example, if you’re driving 60 km/h and the vehicle ahead passes an object, start counting until you reach three seconds. That way, you can maintain a safe following distance of about 25 meters.
Increase Your Following Distance Under Poor Conditions
When keeping a safe distance when driving, especially in wet conditions and dense traffic, you should double your following distance. You may not always be able to see what’s ahead of you due to poor weather or traffic, so it’s essential that you have extra time in case something unexpected happens.
Use of Safety Features to Help With Safe Driving
Another way to help keep a safe distance when driving is to use any safety features your car may have. Many vehicles have features that help you maintain a safe following distance. They include:
Adaptive Cruise Control
This feature allows your car to speed up or down automatically when the vehicle in front changes its speed. It also protects your car from the vehicle in front, warning you if you get too close. Therefore, if traffic slows down, your vehicle will slow down too. This can help keep a safe distance, especially on the highway.
Rear-view Camera
Many cars come with a rear-view camera that projects an image of what’s behind you onto your rear-view mirror, making it easier to see any vehicles coming up from behind and adjust your speed and following distance accordingly.
Lane Departure Warning
Lane departure warning systems work by sounding an alarm or vibrating the steering wheel when the vehicle drifts out of its lane, something that can happen if you are not paying attention and aren’t maintaining enough following distance between cars on either side of them.
Book Driving Lessons with Ltrent Today
Ready to master the art of maintaining a safe distance on the road? Join LTrent Driving School today! Our expert instructors are here to help you become a confident and responsible driver. Take the first step towards safer driving by booking lessons or the Safer Drivers Course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3-second rule for driving in Australia?
The 3-second rule is a simple and effective method for maintaining a safe following distance while driving in Australia. Here’s how it works:
- Choose a stationary object ahead, like a road sign or a tree, as a reference point.
- When the rear of the car in front of you passes that object, start counting: “One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three.
- If the front of your car reaches the reference point before you finish counting to three, you are following too closely.