Distance between cars according to traffic rules in meters

For each new student of a driving school, instructors first of all try to teach them to maintain a distance. Disregard for the established distance in the stream between moving cars is considered by many to be a trifling violation, and some do not even know about this point of traffic rules. In fact, they began to fine for non-observance of the distance not so long ago, after the next changes to paragraphs 9.10 and 10.1 of the traffic rules. Distance is a momentary concept, the violation of which can only be judged by the consequences.

The traffic rules do not specify the distance between vehicles in meters, since it is very problematic to fix this value. The difficulty is that the driver determines the safe distance while driving. The distance must be such that in an emergency it is possible to prevent a collision in time.

distance between cars according to traffic rules in meters

The distance is considered correct if the driver managed to avoid an accident. In the event of a collision, the car owner will have to restore his own and someone else's car, as well as pay a fine for not keeping the distance. At the same time, paragraph 12.15 of the Code of Administrative Offenses says about the distance rather vaguely. Nevertheless, the driver may be fined for violation of the established rules for the location of the vehicle on the carriageway in the amount of 1500 rubles.

Is the distance between cars regulated by an exact number in meters

Many years have passed since the inception of the traffic rules. Is it possible that their creators have not been able to determine the safe distance between cars moving in the same direction for such a long period of time? In various editions of the traffic rules, it is impossible to find a hint of a specific figure in meters. It is only indicated that the correct distance is the distance that will allow the motorist to prevent an accident.

It turns out that many factors affect the determination of the distance:

• speed of movement and technical condition of transport;
• road illumination;
• the condition of the road surface;
• driver experience and reaction time;
• weather conditions, animals and other unforeseen factors.

The only reference point is road sign 3.16, which indicates the exact distance in meters between two cars in the stream. However, this sign is installed only on small sections of the route, where there are sharp turns, dangerous obstacles, descents, ascents and there is a possibility of uncontrolled natural phenomena (avalanches, rockfalls, mudflows, etc.). In addition, such a sign can be located on a section of the road where high speed is allowed. The yellow background of the distance limit sign indicates a temporary action. It takes precedence over other plates and signs by default.

Determining the correct distance by traffic rules

Determining the correct distance

There are several ways to establish a comfortable distance between cars in city traffic, on the highway or in any other conditions. One of the most effective is the two second technique. It is based on the fact that a person's reaction to a change in the situation on the road is on average 2 seconds. Therefore, the selected distance should allow the driver to cover the distance in two seconds, no more than to the vehicle in front. Here you need to use the internal chronometer, which is in the body of each person.

Developing the skill of keeping distance

Instructors recommend developing the skill as follows: when driving, you can use road poles, markings, or other landmarks. As soon as the vehicle in front crosses the conditional border, it is necessary to count two seconds. After that, our car should cross the selected mark. It is very important to feel the distance traveled in time, making reference to certain driving conditions. After just a few of these trainings, the driver begins to maintain the distance automatically.

Failure to comply with the distance on traffic rules leads to an accident

Traffic in city traffic has its own special nuances. Novice motorists usually maintain a long distance at traffic lights. In such a situation, any experienced driver, noticing a comfortable clearance of 5-10 meters, will rush to take it. Therefore, in the city, the two-second method does not always work. In this case, a sense of the size of the car and the correct distance on the road comes only with driving experience.

Do not be frivolous about the rules of keeping the distance on the road. It should be remembered that not only our safety depends on this, but also the safety of those around us. In busy traffic, it is better to add a few meters and protect yourself from unpleasant situations.