To provide a method for controlling inter-vehicle distance, and to provide a system therefor for controlling the safe traveling distance to the preceding vehicle, more effectively.

This method includes a step for detecting a maximum friction coefficient of the road surface on which a vehicle runs, a step for calculating the minimum safe distance to the preceding vehicle, based on the detected maximum friction coefficient and a running speed, a step for setting a reference safe index corresponding to the calculated minimum safe distance, a step for calculating a current safe index, corresponding to a relative distance to the preceding vehicle, and a step for controlling the inter-vehicle distance, by comparing the current safe index and the referenced safe index.