• Ravi@feddit.org
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    1 month ago

    The simplified distance rule we learn in europe is: half your speed (km/h) in meters or as an equation, v/2000. E.g. you drive 120km/h, keep 60m distance.

    • toynbee@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      In the US, usually it’s one car length per 10mph.

      Probably not much more intuitive than yours, but less math required on the fly.

      • Ravi@feddit.org
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        1 month ago

        Tbh the math required is pretty similar, I just divide the speed by 2 and am done.

        • toynbee@lemmy.world
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          1 month ago

          That’s very reasonable if you’re accustomed to operating in metric … Which we all should be, but here we are.

            • toynbee@lemmy.world
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              1 month ago

              Ah, that could be interpreted at least two different ways. I have a suspicion of how this conversation will go, but I’m interested to find out.

              It’s my opinion that the metric system is superior to the imperial, so we should all be primarily exposed to the superior system. Some may disagree and I won’t claim that I’m objectively correct. No worries if you disagree - regardless of my opinion, the imperial system is what I’ve been exposed to and what I use.

              Alternatively, the statement might be interpreted as “you should be familiar with the metric system even if you reside in a country where it’s not the primary system.” That’s probably less true - while it might behoove one to be familiar with the metric system, I don’t blame the individual for the limitations placed on them by the government, regardless of what’s better.

              If you have a third interpretation, it’s probably not what I meant, but I would be interested in hearing it.

    • faercol@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      1 month ago

      In France the way we learned is (for the highway at least)

      • 110km/h: 5 small markings between you and the other car
      • 130km/h: 2 large markings
    • Cagi@lemmy.ca
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      1 month ago

      I just leave enough room to come to a stop in the gap between us.

      • Ravi@feddit.org
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        1 month ago

        That’s the underlying reason to keep distance ofc. The rule of thumb gives you an easy to calculate solution to how far that approximately is.

        • Cagi@lemmy.ca
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          1 month ago

          I don’t need math for this. Once you have a feel for your car you can just visually gauge it in an instant.

          • Fuzzy_Red_Panda@lemm.ee
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            1 month ago

            Judging by how close people follow me on the Interstate, I have a feeling most drivers think this but only a small percentage can do it effectively.

            And judging by how close 9 out of 10 pickup truck drivers follow tailgate me on the interstate even when I am doing 10-15 over, I have a feeling most don’t care and would prefer to run me over in their lifted Rams and SuperDutys.