Calculate Safe Driving Distance for Safety

The threat of accidents on the highway is very large. Collisions often occur, especially on busy roads. In fact, if all drivers were willing to pay attention to a safe distance, then this incident could be avoided. 

There are different triggers for road accidents. However, driver negligence is often the cause. For example, by ignoring a safe driving distance so that you have the potential to hit a vehicle in front of you that suddenly slows down.

What is a Safe Driving Distance?

Safe driving distance actually refers to the minimum range between one vehicle and another. It is assumed that if you are at that distance, the driver can still react when the vehicle in front of him slows down or stops suddenly.

This has actually become a promulgated driving rule. According to Article 62 PP no. 43 of 1993 concerning Traffic Procedures, drivers are required to keep their distance from the car in front of them.

This regulation was of course made with a positive aim, namely protecting road safety. This is possible by maintaining a safe distance.

When within a safe range, the driver can avoid rear-end collisions when the vehicle in front stops or suddenly slows down. The brakes can be pressed and the car can still be stopped.

What is the Safe Driving Distance?

What is a safe driving distance is a question. Regarding this, there are several versions of safe distance that can be followed. However, even though the parameters are different, they can all be used as a reference when driving.

A. Safe Distance Based on Range

As the name suggests, this safe distance is based on the distance from one car to another. However, how long the distance is cannot be determined easily. The reason is that the speed of the car is considered to influence the determination of a safe distance.

If the car is faster, of course it will need a longer stopping distance. This happens the other way around. However, the following safe distance guide can be used as a benchmark:

â— 30 km per hour (kph): 30 meters.

â— 40 kph: 40 meters.

â— 50 kph: 50 meters.

â— 60 kph: 60 meters.

â— 70 kph: 70 meters.

â— 80 kph: 80 meters.

â— 90 kph: 90 meters.

â— 100 kph: 100 meters.

B. Safe Distance Based on Minimum Range

Other safe distance guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Transportation. They said there is a minimum range that drivers must comply with to ensure safety on the road.

The minimum range refers to the distance between one car and another car. So, under any circumstances, this area must always be empty and must not be occupied by other vehicles if you want a safe journey.

Same as before, determining the safe distance based on the speed of the car. Here's the guide:

â— 30 kph: 15 meters.

â— 40 kph: 20 meters.

â— 50 kph: 25 meters.

â— 60 kph: 40 meters.

â— 70 kph: 50 meters.

â— 80 kph: 60 meters.

â— 90 kph: 70 meters.

â— 100 kph: 80 meters.

C. Safe Distance Based on Time Difference

This is the most frequently used safe distance recommendation. Many driving safety instructors use the time difference with the car in front as a benchmark for safe distance. They agreed on a three second range.

So, ideally the car is three seconds behind the car in front. The determination of three seconds is taken based on human reaction time and mechanical reactions under ideal conditions.

It is known that humans need about 1 to 1.5 seconds to react. For example, pressing the brakes when you realize the vehicle in front of you is slowing down. This takes a minimum of 1 second.

Meanwhile the mechanical reaction is faster. Car components can react within 0.5 to 1 second after receiving instructions. In other words, it takes a minimum of 0.5 seconds for the brakes to slow down the car after the brake pedal is pressed.

Thus, a time delay of three seconds is considered safe for a reaction. The time from detecting a threat ahead to giving time for the car's braking components to work to stop the car's speed will be sufficient.

Tips for Calculating Safe Distance

Calculating a safe distance based on a range is not easy. It is difficult to estimate the actual distance to the car in front. However, there are tips to make the calculation easier.

Look at the rear wheels of the car in front. Make sure your eyes can see the wheels touching the ground. If you can see it, it means you are most likely at a safe distance.

Meanwhile, if you want to use a safe distance reference based on time difference, it's easy. Try looking for a static object on the side of the road as a benchmark. For example, electricity poles.

Look while counting for three seconds after the rear tires of the car in front pass you by. Ideally, your car passes the same object on that count. That's a safe distance that can be used as a benchmark.

Which safe distance calculation will you use? Whatever it is, everything is important to ensure safety on the road.