To lower the risk of a collision, how much space should you keep to one side of your vehicle?

Maintaining a safe distance to one side of your vehicle is crucial for preventing potential collisions, particularly in situations where other vehicles or obstacles may be present. Keeping at least one car width between your vehicle and others allows for adequate space to maneuver, such as changing lanes or avoiding an obstacle without the risk of sideswiping another vehicle. This space can provide a buffer that allows you to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.

While options suggesting smaller distances may seem sufficient, they do not offer the same level of safety. For instance, one foot or even one car width does not provide a reliable margin for error, especially in busy environments. Two or three car widths provide more space but may be excessive in many driving situations, making the one car width a practical and effective guideline for most scenarios. Hence, maintaining at least one car width ensures that you have enough leeway to avoid potential hazards effectively.