Following public inquiries about determining safe driving distance, the Traffic Police Department explained that the safe distance between two vehicles is determined by factors such as speed, road surface conditions, vehicle safety systems, and driver reaction time. The goal is to ensure sufficient braking distance to prevent collisions when hazards are detected.

Drivers must develop an intuitive understanding of safe following distances, considering their speed, road conditions, and traffic density. This skill is honed through driving experience and can be validated against distance markers and signs found on certain roads, particularly expressways.

Distance markers on the Nha Trang - Cam Lam expressway. *Photo: Bui Toan*

The Traffic Police Department emphasizes that experienced and attentive drivers are better at estimating the distance to the vehicle ahead. Utilizing distance markers or signs on the road allows drivers to verify and refine their visual estimation abilities.

Regarding enforcement, the Traffic Police Department clarified that officers cannot measure the distance between moving vehicles in all scenarios. Penalties for failing to maintain a safe distance are issued at locations equipped with signs and road markings indicating safe distances, in conjunction with speed monitoring systems.

Furthermore, in the event of an accident, authorities will investigate to determine its cause. If the investigation concludes that a driver failed to maintain a safe following distance, leading to the accident, this will serve as grounds for legal action.

This announcement comes as enforcement for safe following distance violations on expressways is set to expand. During a Ministry of Construction press conference on 15/10, the Vietnam Road Administration confirmed its collaboration with the Traffic Police Department to implement wider enforcement across expressway networks, moving beyond the current limited application.

Since 27/8, traffic police have been issuing fines of up to 6 million VND to drivers failing to maintain safe distances on the Phap Van - Nghi Son expressway. During the five-day National Day holiday, 11 drivers were cited for this offense, bringing the total number of violations since enforcement began to over 20.

Hai Dang