what it is, how much it should be and how to maintain it

When we travel on the road we must pay attention not only to the behavior of our vehicle, but also to the vehicles and motorists around us. Part of this focus is based on maintaining the safe distance between your vehicle and the one directly ahead. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of collisions, ensuring maximum safety for everyone.

When talking about safety distance, some questions arise: What is the recommended safety distance between vehicles? How to apply it when you are still? How does speed or weather conditions affect this distance? Let’s explore all these questions in this article!

Simply put, the safe distance is the space that must be maintained between two vehicles traveling in front of each other on the road. But if we look for a more formal definition, the Traffic Laws tells us the following:

«The driver of a moving vehicle must maintain a sufficient distance between his vehicle and the vehicle in front to avoid accidents in the event of sudden braking or a reduction in speed, taking particular account of vulnerable users.»

The safety distance is directly related to the guide defensiveas maintaining adequate space between your vehicle and the one in front is one of the main ways to prevent accidents. A defensive driver anticipates possible unexpected events, such as sudden braking or a sudden change of direction, and ensures sufficient time and space to react safely.

Read all: “10 tips for practicing defensive driving”

The Highway Code does not define the exact distance to maintain. The only case discriminated against is that of vehicles circulating idling outside the localities (Artº 40º)who must maintain a distance of 50 meters between themselves and the vehicle in front of them. However, there are some rules that can be applied to maintain a good safe distance.

This is the best known, and also the most recommended:

• Choose a landmark on the road, such as a sign or tree;
• When the car in front of you passes that point, start counting: “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three”;
• If you reach the point before finishing the count, it means you need to increase the safety distance.

This rule emerged as part of a road safety campaign in Denmark. Simply extend your arm, raise your thumb, and if you can completely cover the car in front, you have a good safe distance.

Many motorists may wonder: “Does the safe distance depend on how fast I drive?” And the answer is yes, this is directly affected by the speed at which you drive. The higher the speed, the greater the distance needed to ensure safety.

The relationship between speed and safe distance is proportional. At higher speeds, a greater distance between vehicles is required. Furthermore, the braking distancethat is, the distance the vehicle travels before coming to a complete stop during emergency braking increases significantly at higher speeds.

Therefore, when driving on the motorway, the safety distance must be significantly greater than, for example, in urban centers or villages.

Os heavy vehicles must follow the same rules as light vehicles, as there are no specific rules for this type of vehicle. However, it is It is important to consider the high weight and greater inertia they make braking slower, requiring more space to stop safely.

In general, the three second rule can be adapted for these vehicles, increasing to 5-6 seconds, to accommodate the weight of the vehicle should it need to stop.

Driving in the rain requires particular attention. Wet roads reduce tire grip and significantly increase braking distance, making it essential to increase the space between your vehicle and the one in front. In these situations, the 3 second rule should be changed to 6 seconds.

During a Night or when the visibility it is limitedit is necessary to increase the safety distance. Vision is impaired and perception of speed and distance becomes less accurate.

First, always use the appropriate headlights: low beam in normal situations and fog only when necessary. After, reduce speed and keep at least 4-5 seconds distance from the vehicle in front. This way you will have enough margin to react safely in the event of sudden braking or if you realize that there is an obstacle in your way.

In traffic jams or stop-and-go situations, it is normal for vehicles to travel very close together. However, it is essential to leave a minimum space between your car and the one in front. A good reference is to make sure you can see the tires of the vehicle in front touching the asphalt.

Whatever situation you find yourself in on the road, maintaining a safe distance from the car in front is essential to ensure safe driving and avoid the situations we describe below.

When the distance between vehicles is not enough, any sudden braking can cause a rear-end collision and this can lead to chain accidents. It only takes a few fractions of a second for several cars to be involved, increasing the risk of injury and serious damage.

By maintaining a safe distance you gain time to brake gradually and avoid turning a simple braking into a dangerous situation.

In most cases, the driver who hits the rear of another vehicle is responsible for the accident because he did not maintain an adequate safety distance. In addition to having to deal with property damage, this can lead to repair costs, insurance penalties and loss of points on your driver’s license.
Respecting the safety distance is, therefore, a simple and effective way to protect not only your safety, but also your driving record.

Fines and related infractions

Neglecting the safety distance is considered a administrative offense pursuant to the Highway Codewhich indicates the following:

“The driving position of the vehicle must be on the right side of the road, maintaining sufficient distance from shoulders or pavements to avoid accidents.”

Depending on the case, the fine can vary from 60 to 300 euros.

More than avoiding fines, maintaining the correct space between vehicles is a demonstration of respect towards other drivers and an essential attitude for responsible and safe driving.

Maintain a defensive driving is essential to guarantee the safety and the comfort on the road. An attentive driver constantly observes the surrounding environment in advance, paying attention to the vehicle in front, but also to the two or three cars in front, which allows braking or obstacles to be predicted before they become a problem.

It’s important to avoid distractions, keep both hands on the wheel and pay attention to subtle signals such as brake lights or sudden lane changes.

Alternating your gaze between the road, the mirrors and the sides helps you have a complete view of the environment and reduces your reaction time, which on average is about one second.

In addition to increasing safety, careful and predictable driving reduces fuel consumption, tire and brake wear, ensuring greater economy, less stress and a smoother journey.

Maintaining a safe distance is one of the simplest and most effective actions to prevent road accidents, adopting an attitude of responsibility, respect and prudence towards other motorists. Every second of attention and every meter of distance can make the difference in an unexpected situation.

Remember: Road safety starts with every decision you make behind the wheel. Drive calmly, stay in control and never forget that keeping a safe distance saves lives, including yours.