1.
following distance; distance between vehicles
The space maintained between one's vehicle and the vehicle ahead while driving. A key concept in safe driving and traffic regulations.
車間距離を取る。
Keep a safe following distance.
雨の日は車間距離を多めに取りましょう。
On rainy days, keep a greater following distance.
高速道路で車間距離を詰めすぎると、追突事故の原因になる。
Closing the following distance too much on the expressway can cause rear-end collisions.
USAGE NOTES:
車間距離 is a compound of 車間 (between vehicles) and 距離 (distance). It is used frequently in driving instructions, traffic safety campaigns, and news reports about accidents.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 車間距離を取る (maintain following distance)
- 車間距離を詰める (close the gap between vehicles)
- 車間距離が短い (following distance is too short)
- 十分な車間距離 (sufficient following distance)
DRIVING NOTE:
In Japan, the recommended 車間距離 on expressways is the distance traveled in about 2 seconds. Tailgating (煽り運転) has been a significant traffic safety issue and was made a criminal offense in 2020.