Distance and location

Distance and location are all about giving yourself enough time to react and enough room to maneuver. Correct field position makes you visible and predictable to others.

Distance forward

Use the three-second rule as a starting point:

The distance in meters increases with speed. At 80 km/h three seconds corresponds to approx. 67 m, which gives you margin to stop within the stopping distance .

Distance to page

• Cyclists and pedestrians: Keep at least 1.5 m distance when passing
• Oncoming traffic: Reduce your speed if the road is narrow and it is difficult to keep your distance
• Parked cars: Keep at least a door-width distance in case someone opens the door

Location in the lane

• Drive in the middle of the field as standard
• Lay down to the right before turning right at intersection
• Lay down close to the center line before the left turn
• Avoid being close to the center line on narrow roads with oncoming traffic

Backward distance

You cannot control the car behind you directly, but you can:

• Keep a steady speed so that the car behind can predict your movements
• Increase the distance forward if someone is too close behind you, so that you can brake more softly
• Avoid sudden braking that could lead to a collision from behind

Special situations

• Tunnels: Keep extra distance because stopping distance in tunnel is critical
• Motorway: High speed requires a longer distance
• Queue: Even at low speed you need distance to avoid emergency brake
• Turn: Reduce speed and keep a good distance through curves

Further reading

• The Three-Second Rule
• Calculation of stopping distance
• Adjusted speed and hidden danger
• Backing and Parking