When driving in a city, how far ahead should you be looking relative to the space in front of the car?

The appropriate distance to look ahead while driving in a city is primarily to ensure safety and maintain awareness of potential hazards. When you look only a few feet in front of your vehicle, you reduce your ability to anticipate changes in traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, and other obstacles.

In urban environments, having a wider field of vision allows you to respond effectively to dynamic situations that can arise unexpectedly. Observing the area ahead gives you insight into traffic flow, the behavior of other road users, and upcoming intersections or traffic signals, all of which are crucial for safe navigation through the city.

Staying focused too closely limits your ability to react to challenges, such as a sudden stop by the car in front or pedestrians crossing unexpectedly. Consequently, effective driving requires looking much further down the road to allow time for decision-making and safe maneuvering.