車 間 距 離(しゃかんきょり)

しゃかんきょり

noun

following distance; distance between vehicles

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(しゃかんきょり)を取(と)る。

Keep a safe following distance.

雨(あめ)の日(ひ)は車間距離(しゃかんきょり)を多(おお)めに取(と)りましょう。

On rainy days, keep a greater following distance.

高速道路(こうそくどうろ)で車間距離(しゃかんきょり)を詰(つ)めすぎると、追突事故(ついとつじこ)の原因(げんいん)になる。

Closing the following distance too much on the expressway can cause rear-end collisions.

Usage

車間距離(しゃかんきょり) is a compound of 車間(しゃかん) (between vehicles) and 距離(きょり) (distance). It is used frequently in driving instructions, traffic safety campaigns, and news reports about accidents.

Common collocations

車間距離(しゃかんきょり)を取(と)る (maintain following distance)
車間距離(しゃかんきょり)を詰(つ)める (close the gap between vehicles)
車間距離(しゃかんきょり)が短(みじか)い (following distance is too short)
十分(じゅうぶん)な車間距離(しゃかんきょり) (sufficient following distance)

Cultural note

In Japan, a common rule of thumb on expressways is to stay at least two seconds behind the car ahead. Tailgating (煽(あお)り運転(うんてん)) has been a significant traffic safety issue and was made a criminal offense in 2020.

general

Added 2026.3.4 13:36 · Revised 2026.10.15 22:26

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