Leaving Space is no 1 Driving Tip
Simon Sheldon-Wilson, Traffic Management Director for the Highways Agency, says:
14% of casualties on our roads are caused by people tailgating. That’s why we’re reminding people to stay safe and keep at least a 2-second gap from the car in front.
Number 1 tip is always keep your distance the more equates to lower chance of collision, think of driving on deserted highway. The most common form of collision is the rear collision, someone driving too close or not paying attention to the truck or car in front and slams into your rear. However, you do have some control, if for example this happens, and you do need to stop or slow down , do it gradually so that the driver behind can stop in time. In emergencies, this may not always be possible. As safety features increase you will see in trucks Safety features and cars that having flashing brake lights that are activated when you break hard, others have emergency lighting all over to alter the driver behind that they need to slow down quickly.
Time to mention the 2-second rule or better still the 3-second rule that only an idiot would break. Leave at least 2 seconds in dry weather of space in front and more depending on the driving conditions, 4 seconds may be necessary if poor visibility or longer if snow and ice are present and advise them is to double the distance so 4 seconds becomes 8 seconds. Also think ahead and leave space to get out, this can best be achieved by keeping space on both sides, i.e. never drive alongside another vehicle as this severely limits. Accordingly, if someone starts to drive alongside you, slow down so that the space is regained. Keep these tips in mind and also make sure you have a good level of truck insurance in place to cover you